GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. …

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 12

The DECEMBER 2015

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

PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is included in annual events fees. Non-members: $3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Partnership is published monthly by the Greater Burlington Partnership 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601. POSTMASTER send address changes to Greater Burlington Partnership (USPS 001-692) 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601

THIS IS WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

By most accounts, the Greater Burlington community has had quite a phenomenal year.

For one, the construction peaked at the Iowa Fertilizer Plant - injecting thousands of new consumers with weekly paychecks into the community. The impact of the construction project is real and can be seen in statistics from rental rates and retail sales to gaming revenue and hotel/motel tax receipts. More than 75% of the hotel rooms in this community were occupied every single night of the week - a statistic that will be difficult to reproduce in the future.

Beyond Iowa Fertilizer, however, many great things happened locally. While it is difficult to capture everything, here are some of the highlights:

• SCC launched construction of its new classrooms and began the process of transforming the campus into a talent generator for Southeast Iowa.

• The Purple & Gray Foundation completed the bulk of its renovation of Bracewell Stadium. It is a true gem.

• Silgan Containers announced its plant to build 400,000 SF of industrial space in Flint Ridge Business Park- injecting $125 million in capital investment into the community.

• Shearer’s Foods completed its building expansion along Agency Street adding expanded product lines and new jobs to the local operation.

• Hope Haven Development Corporation secured its funding to construct a new store along Jefferson Street.

• Long-time community staples like Frank Millard & Company, Standard of Beaverdale, and Prugh Funeral Home made substantial investments in their companies’ futures.

• Road funding, the Partnership’s #1 legislative priority for 2015, was enacted. Shortly thereafter, an additional 8 miles of Highway 61 north of Burlington was included in the capital improvement plan.

• Construction is everywhere. Housing developers continue to add quality living units for residents.

• The façade upgrades on Jefferson Street have enhanced the attractiveness of our unique downtown.

• Let’s not forget the affirmative ‘yes’ voters in Burlington gave to the new police station ending a multi-year debate over its future home.

• New retail development all along the Roosevelt corridor has been pretty impressive.

• And General Electric - instead of closing the plant this year as many skeptics predicted five years ago, announced a major investment and more than 100 new jobs.

It is true that our communities still face many challenges. Neighborhoods are struggling with acts of violence and deteriorating housing stock. Our workforce is aging, and the replacement workers need both upgraded skills and a kick in the rear. Poverty for households with no father in the picture and children under the age of five is a staggering 78%.

There will be disagreements about how to solve many of these challenges. However, the solutions to many of our concerns become much more palatable with a strong, growing economy.

Despite the obstacles in front of us, there is much evidence that things are going well in Greater Burlington.

Let’s celebrate a terrific year!

by Jason Hutcheson

Brenda LevittEcon. Development Research Coordinator [email protected]

Brenda Wischmeier Director of Marketing 319-208-0040 [email protected]

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO [email protected]

Kay Sackville BreuerVice [email protected]

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

Sherri Krause Finance Manager [email protected]

Belinda ColwellAdministrative Assistant [email protected]

David Toyer Dir. of Economic Development 319-208-0053 [email protected]

Mark Foster Program Dir. Govt. Relations and Young Prof. [email protected]

Julie Meloan BellWelcome Ctr & Group Travel Coordinator [email protected]

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

Rachel Lindeen Dir. Member Services319-208-0046 [email protected]

Carla McGrathMembership Recruitment [email protected]

page [email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

ON THE COVER The Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that after a comprehensive self-review, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded us with 5-Star Accreditation. This prestigious honor puts us among the top 1% of chambers nationwide.

The only national program recognizing chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement, Accreditation allows us to renew, improve, and promote sound business practices, policies, and procedures.

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber executives from across the country.

This past year, the staff, board, and volunteers of the Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce spent countless hours completing the Accreditation process. Our task: demonstrate competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities. The result of our hard work is evidenced by this impressive rating. But in truth, we should all be extraordinarily proud of this milestone achievement. It was a true team effort.

The members of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as pictured:

Top row: Rick Hall, Product Development Services, LLC; Scott Zaiser, Zaiser’s Landscaping, Inc.;Tim Fencl, Danville Telecom/i-connect you; Jon Hart, Edward Jones and John Jennison, Riley Paint Company.

Third row: Heath Hillyard, Summer Street Animal Clinic; Jim Carter, Retired, Dresser Rand; Aaron Baltisberger, Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Bob Boyle, C-CAT,Inc.; Massimo Eritale, Alfagomma America; Inc. and Jeff Burkhart, MidWestOne Bank.

Second Row: Deb Fowler, Century 21 Property Professionals; Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois; Dara Henneke, International Eyecare Center; Karen Taylor, Shearer’s Snacks and Deb Brinkley, Happy Joe’s of Burlington.

Seated: Kim Korschgen, State Farm Insurance -John Korschgen Agency; Laura Hubbard, CNH Industrial; Lea Burke, Burke Installed, Inc. and Rochelle Swanner, Lunning Chapel, Inc.

Not pictured: Joshua Cloke, Acuity Financial; Lynn Egan, Record Securities; Sue Frice, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Jim Kammerer, Great River Medical Center; Marlis Robberts, Robberts, Kirkman & Engler, L.L.L.P.; Cindy Spear, Universal Therapy Group, LLC, and J. Byers Wolf, Energyficient Systems, Inc.

Photo Credit: Brenda Wischmeier, Greater Burlington Partnership

The Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce is Accredited with 5-Stars

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 12

The DECEMBER 2015


WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUEvery year the Business Retention & Expansion committee, along with the staff at the Greater Burlington Partnership, selects businesses from Des Moines County to gather information to be compiled for the Small Business Industry Report. We want to hear from you about your business successes and concerns. Please answer the call. We look forward to visiting with you.

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASONYou’ve made your list. You’ve checked it twice. Now spread the holiday cheer while you save yourself time and money by shopping in Des Moines County this holiday season.

When you buy in Des Moines County, it helps to create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, generate investment in neighborhood improvements and promote community development. Not to mention, the money you save in gas for travel will put a few more dollars in your pocket for gifts!

This holiday season, turn off the computer and tune into your community. Explore the many unique shops, enjoy the friendly hometown service and have fun shopping. Buy in Des Moines County and support the members of the Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Greater Burlington Partnership.

Partnership team members Rachel Lindeen and Brenda Levitt

page 5 [email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Since 2008, the Greater Burlington Partnership has been assisting new start-ups via the annual Des Moines County Business Plan Competition. During the competition, participants will write their business plan, evaluate finances, and get feedback and support from the experts. As a reward for going through the process, participants are eligible for an award package that includes $10,000 in seed capital, lease assistance (available in Downtown Burlington and Westland Mall), and a complimentary Chamber of Commerce membership.

In order to be eligible for the competition, applicants must have a new, independent, for-profit venture. Existing part-time or hobby ventures that are now looking to establish on a more permanent basis are permissible, as long as the gross revenue generated by that venture was less than $50,000 in 2015. Residents of counties adjacent to Des Moines County may enter the competition if the

new venture’s primary location will be physically established in Des Moines County.

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

2016 BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION KICKS OFF!

IMPORTANT DEADLINESRegistration Deadline - February 11st Draft Due - March 14Final Drafts Due - April 25Winners Announced - May 13at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast

2015 BUSINESS PLANCOMPETITION WINNER MAJESTIC ESTATE

Pictured L to R: Bill Partain, Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Chad Palmer, Energyficient Systems; Mike Hoffman, Mikeway, LLC; Lorraine Guerra, Majestic Estate; Tammy Adams, Majestic Estate; Jim Davidson, City of Burlington and Jeff Hanan, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission

FOLLOW US ON

www.greaterburlington.com319-752-6365

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

BE THE VOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESSFor decades, the Chambers of Commerce from Greater Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk and Mount Pleasant have led a delegation of local business and community leaders to Iowa’s State Capitol. Many of you have been on this trip, while a few of you have thought about attending but didn’t understand how you could make an impact.

But it is important to understand that your voice is LOUD! Area elected officials count on your input for everything. They need to hear from the grassroots. That’s why on February 9 and 10 you should join nearly 100 other community leaders for the 2016 Great River Region Days lobbying trip.

The participation fee of $125 per person covers the legislative reception, breakfast with leadership and numerous Q&A sessions covering key issues that impact your business and Southeast Iowa.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Mark Foster, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050. Participants are responsible for their own travel (many are willing to carpool) and lodging arrangements by calling Embassy Suites at 515-244-1700 and mentioning “Great River Region Days.” A block of rooms are reserved until January 10.

CITIZENS SHOW SUPPORT FOR POLICE STATIONBurlington voters spoke loud and clear on Election Day. With nearly 77% voting yes, the Burlington City Council now has the authority to purchase and renovate a new home for the police department.

This support would not have been made possible without the education provided by the Citizens for the Burlington Police Facility Political Action committee. During the weeks leading up to the vote, you noticed yard signs throughout town, received a letter of encouragement in the mail and had your questions answered daily on Facebook. This was all brought to you through the encouragement and establishment of the PAC via the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

While the bond referendum has now passed, the work has only just begun. During the coming weeks and months, you can expect to see great exchanges between the City of Burlington and U.S. Bank, as both will be undergoing transformations in the coming months. Similar timelines of less than two years are expected for U.S. Bank to have a renovated facility at the intersection of West Avenue and Roosevelt, and the Burlington Police Department to be fully moved in to their new location.

The City of Burlington and its citizens should be congratulated for taking a significant progressive step forward.


GREATER BURLINGTONYOUNGPROFESSIONALS

Alicia Allen, State Farm Insurance-Kent Brown Agency Hometown: Burlington, Iowa YP Member: 2 Years

“I joined the Young Professionals to meet new people, be more involved and to become more knowledgeable about the community I’ve grown up in. This group has provided me with all I was hoping to find, and I have made some great new friends along the way.”

Fun Fact: “I have back-packed through Europe twice and have visited 13 different countries.”

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH

www.midwestonebank.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR

www.greaterburlingtonyp.com

5th ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER CONTEST & ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS TOURNAMENT

DECEMBER 17, 5:05 pm at MAJESTIC ESTATEDig out your ugliest sweater or ask to borrow your grandma’s. Bonus points for creativity! Then bring your competitive spirit to see who can take home the coveted Rock, Paper, Scissors trophy.

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

DECEMBER LUNCH & LEARNDECEMBER 2, 12 - 1 pm at COMFORT INN & SUITES


2016 COMMUNITY GUIDE COMING SOON

A total of 35,000 guides will be printed and distributed in 2016. The digital version will soon be available at www.greaterburlington.com. In 2015, the digital version had more than 1,200 visitors and 11,000 page views.

The 2016 Community Guide also serves as the printed membership directory of the Chamber of Commerce. Members in good standing are featured in the guide as a benefit to membership. The guide is distributed not only to visitors, but is also used by Realtors, Des Moines County Greeters and many businesses. Community information is offered to new residents, prospective employees and potential businesses in Greater Burlington.

To order a supply, contact Chelsea Tolle, at [email protected] or 319-208-0045.

A big THANK YOU to all of our advertisers who help to make the guide a success!

THE GREATER BURLINGTON COMMUNITY GUIDE WILL

BE HOT OFF THE PRESS THIS MONTH AND READY

TO DISTRIBUTE!


DISCOVER DOWNTOWN HOLIDAYSFOR THE

The jolly old elf himself will be greeting visitors in downtown Burlington at Nancy Neafie Park on the corner of Sixth and Jefferson. Santa will be at his cottage during the Holiday Shop Hops on Thursdays from 6 - 8 pm, as well as Living Windows. There is no charge, and cameras are welcome. Santa is plenty busy this time of year, but don’t worry – if you can’t catch him at home, you can leave a letter in the mail slot. Many thanks to Carl A. Nelson & Co. for assisting with Santa’s Cottage.

Downtown Merchants Extend Thursday Hours for HolidaysEvery Thursday evening through Christmas, your favorite downtown merchants will be open in the evenings to fit your busy schedule and to offer you their personalized service. Afterwards, catch a show or enjoy dinner at one of our many great restaurants. Shopping can and should be fun – make downtown Burlington your destination this season!

HOLIDAY SHOP HOP

Join Downtown Partners for a magical night! Dozens of storefronts on Jefferson Street will come to life during the 17th Annual Living Windows celebration on December 10 from 6 - 8 pm. The event includes ice sculpting, carolers, puppet shows, treats, crafts, storytellers, free horse drawn trolley rides and much more. Stop by Santa’s Cottage in Nancy Neafie Park, sample some holiday goodies, and do some shopping, too. Living Windows is presented by Two Rivers Bank & Trust and supported by TD&T CPAs and Advisors, P.C. Come enjoy the best of the holiday season with us!

LIVING WINDOWS

HERE COMES SANTA!

Your Bridge to the Future

PRESENTING SPONSOR


Colonial Life 2261 52nd Ave, Moline, 319-759-5532Heidi Humphries, District General Agent, [email protected]

We are at the forefront of communicating employers core benefit programs, helping employees understand the value of their benefits and make good benefits decisions. We are experts at communicating and enrolling our supplemental insurance products, as well as an employer’s core benefits program. We have been in the worksite marketing business for more than 75 years.

The Funky Cowgirl212 Jefferson St, Burlington, 319-752-8569, www.thefunkycowgirl.comDarla Farrell, Owner, [email protected]

The Funky Cowgirl is a place to shop for fun unique and affordable boutique fashion - no matter your age.

Iowa Land and Home Specialists103 S Wapello St, Mediapolis, 319-850-3315, www.ialandandhome.com Vince King, Broker/Owner/Appraiser/Auctioneer, [email protected]

Iowa Land and Home Specialists is a leading real estate group from southeastern Iowa based in Mediapolis. We focus on all of your real estate needs including appraisals, auctioning services, residential listings, and farm and recreational properties. From start to finish you can rest assured that we have the professionals on staff to handle your every real estate need. Village Cooperative of Burlington1431 Cambridge Dr, Burlington, 319-752-4457, www.villagecooperative.com Hannah Parrott, Resident Services Property Manager, [email protected]

Village Cooperative is Burlington’s premier independent senior housing community. The Village Cooperative of Burlington is specifically designed for active seniors- 55+, who want the benefits of home-ownership without the maintenance.

NEW MEMBERS

BONES BODY SHOP, LLCOwners Travis and Hillaurie Bonar along with the Chamber of

Commerce Ambassadors celebrated their new business. Bones Body Shop, LLC is located at 612 N Central Ave, Burlington.

BUSINESS SUCCESSGOODWILL OF THE HEARTLAND -

SKILLS DAY HABILITATION

Celebrating a new service is Mindy Kayser, Vice President of Marketing; Amy Winslow, Program Director; Cheryl Reittinger,

Day Habilitation Specialist; Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and staff. Goodwill of the Heartland is located at

165 West Burlington Ave, Burlington.

EYECARE MAXOwners Dr. David and Connie McManis, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and staff were on hand to celebrate. Eyecare Max is

located at 1734 N Roosevelt Ave, Ste 100, Burlington.


...that local demographics and statics can be found at www.greaterburlington.com? We have an interactive Economic Dashboard for data and demographics. You can find up-to-date information on population, housing, wages and more.

DID YOU KNOW......YOU SHOULD

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

ORDER YOUR SUPPLY

2016 COMMUNITY

GUIDE319-752-6365


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

2 - IA Craft Beer Night Boogaloo Cafe - 4 - 6 pmwww.thepzazz.com

3 - Open House The Spa at Catfish Bend - 5 - 8 pmwww.thepzazz.com

3 - Shop Hops Downtown Burlington - 5 - 8 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

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

5 - 20 - Kiwanis Santa at PZAZZ! PZAZZ! - Multiple Dates and Timeswww.thepzazz.com

5 - SCC Medical Assistant Chilli Cook Off SCC Gymnasium - 1 - 3 pm319-208-5213

8 - The Texas Tenors Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 pmwww.burlcivicmusic.com

10 - European Christmas Capitol Theater - 1:30 & 7:30 pmwww.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com

10 - Living Windows Downtown Burlington - 6 - 8 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

12 - Free Admission Heritage Center - 12 - 5 pmwww.dmchs.org

12 - Bel Canto Chorale Burlington Public Library - 1 pmwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

12 - Living Legacy Dinner Phelps House - 5:30 pmwww.dmchs.org

3 - Shop Hops Downtown Burlington - 5 - 8 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

17 - Pokemon Party Burlington Public Library - 6 pmwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

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

19 - Money Shot Memorial Auditorium - 8 pmwww.bma-live.com

19 - Bluzillion The Washington - 8:30 pmwww.thewashingtonmusic.com

19 - Midwest Dueling Pianos Boogaloo Cafe - 10 pmwww.thepzazz.com

31 - New Year’s Eve Celebration Boogaloo Cafe - 10 pmwww.thepzazz.com

Multiple Events:

Burlington Public Library, visitwww.burlington.lib.ia.usFor complete event details, visit www.greaterburlington.com

BE SOCIALGet updates on recent news and events from the Greater Burlington Partnership via social media. For links, visit

www.greaterburlington.com.

SUBMIT YOUR 2016 EVENTSWhen submitting your event to the online calendar, be sure to include the event date, time, location, contact information, and a brief description. Greater Burlington residents and visitors are using this resource to continue to plan their schedules. Year to date the events calendar has had over 14,000 online views. The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau might also use

the submitted events to share during monthly radio talk shows, post on the Visit Burlington Iowa Facebook page, or share with the area hotels.

Use this free marketing opportunity to promote your community event!

THE NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND YOUR 2016 GREATER BURLINGTON EVENTS ARE NEEDED!


MeM

BeR

INfo

RMat

IoN

WESTLAND MALL PARTNERS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Learn to use Social Media marketing that will not only take your business to the next level but will also help you build skills to navigate this medium and gain a competitive advantage.

By completing this certificate you will understand the functions of the different platforms and how to use them together.

Contact CBIZ at 319-208-5388 or [email protected].

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME FOUNDATION

CBIZ OFFERS SOCIAL MEDIA CERTIFICATE

Celebrate the holiday season by bringing a touch of joy to those in need. Tons of toys are needed to help make the holidays happy for local children. Westland Mall is an official drop-off site for Toys for Tots, accepting new, unwrapped toys through December 12. Donation boxes are located in front of maurices.

Thumbs up for those who are all thumbs when gift wrapping. Volunteers from Kids Against Hunger Greater Burlington will provide gift wrap services during peak holiday hours from December 12 to December 24. The gift wrapping station is located next to the south main entrance.

For more information, visit www.westlandmall.net.

The end of the year is always the peak time for charitable giving. A gift to the Notre Dame Foundation means that Catholic education in the Burlington area remains strong and vibrant.

Your gift is tax deductible and may be designated to any of the following areas: capitol improvements, curriculum, faculty support, general fund or the St. Jude tuition assistance fund. Remember a loved one with a memorial gift to the Notre Dame Foundation, or contribute to an existing memorial.

To make your gift online, go to www.burlingtonnotredame.com, scroll down to “Make A Difference” and click Donate Now. Thank you for your generous support of Catholic Education.

BIZ BASEMENT SYSTEMS CELEBRATES 55 YEARS

Bix Basement Systems is a foundation repair and basement waterproofing company that has been in business for 55 years. Bix provides home solutions for bowing walls, cracked foundations, sagging floors, concrete lifting and leveling on patios and other surfaces, and total basement finishing. Bix Basement Systems has two locations that serve the tri-state area.

Locations are housed in Fort Madison, IA and Peoria, IL. 2015 has been an impressive year for Bix, as they were the recipients of many awards! Awards brought home were Small Business of the Year, Fort Madison, IA Chamber of Commerce; Small Business of the Year Peoria, IL Chamber of Commerce; Better Business Bureau Torch Award in Illinois and the Reader’s Choice Award Peoria Journal Star!

HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE?

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


MARK YOUR CALENDARS2015 & 2016 UPCOMINGPARTNERSHIP EVENTS

HOLIDAY BUSINESS SHOWCASE - DECEMBER 7Burlington Golf Club

LIVING WINDOWS - DECEMBER 10Downtown Burlington

EGGS & ISSUES - DECEMBER 12Greater Burlington Partnership

YP UGLY SWEATER CONTEST & ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS TOURNAMENT - DECEMBER 17

Majestic Estate

EGGS & ISSUES - JANUARY 16Greater Burlington Partnership

ANNUAL DINNER - JANUARY 29Comfort Suites & Conference Center

EGGS & ISSUES - FEBRUARY 20Greater Burlington Partnership

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

HOLIDAY SHOWCASEDecember 7, 5 - 7 pm

Hope Haven Area DevelopmentDanville Telecom/i-connect you

International Eyecare CenterAccess Systems

CBIZRuhl&Ruhl

Universal Therapy GroupMilestone Area Agency on AgingAmerican Eyecare and Freedom

LASIKIowa Illinois Office SolutionsAdvanced Home Health Care

U.S. CellularNuclear Care PartnersE.G. Staats & Co., Inc.

Integrated Technology PartnersDes Moines County Conservation

Servpro of Burlington Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Burlington Golf Club2124 Sunnyside Avenue

Burlingtonwww.greaterburlington.com

PRESENTED BY

www.greaterburlington.com www.greaterburlington.com

The 2016 Iowa Legislative Session is just around the corner, meaning the beginning of the monthly Eggs & Issues

forums. Breakfast will be made right before your eyes by Representative Cohoon, Representative Sands and Senator

Courtney. Barring any smoke, breakfast will be served at 7:15 am. The forum will begin at 7:30 am. Bring any questions about what to expect in the 2016 session.

RSVP by December 9 to Mark Foster at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

EGGS & ISSUESDecember 12 at 7:30 am


BUSINESSESNEEDED FOR JOB

SHADOWING

The Future Workforce committee is in search of businesses to host Des Moines County High School students for a job shadow experience. Job shadowing is an opportunity to invite a student to spend 1-3 hours with a professional working in a career field that is of interest to the student.

The experience will provide valuable information on career options for the students. During the month of February, the Future Workforce committee will be working with area High Schools to coordinate job shadows.

If your business is interested in hosting a student, please contact Rachel Lindeen at 319-208-0046, or [email protected].

WHITE COLLAR OVERTIME POLICYMEMBER IMPACT ISSUE UPDATE:

In early September, the Partnership submitted comments to the Department of Labor (DOL) on your behalf. Three concerns were provided in those comments. One, the raising of the salary threshold of exempt employees is significant, there needs to be more middle ground. Two, setting a blanket policy threshold for every community throughout the country creates unfair barriers. Three, employers have a concern about the change in workplace culture this would create.

• Since the deadline to submit comments passed, the DOL has been reviewing the hundreds of thousands of comments that were submitted. And while a lot still remains uncertain, we can relay information that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has received.

• The earliest we can expect a final ruling would be sometime next summer, but it may be even later in 2016. We will see a final ruling before the end of this administration.

• Once that ruling is given, employers could have as little as 60 days or possibly up to one year to abide by it. U.S. Chamber is advocating for one year.

• A lot of uncertainty still remains about where the final ruling will establish the threshold, but we are still vying for somewhere between the current $23,660 threshold and the proposed $50,440 threshold.

• Finally, there could be a yearly increase in that threshold. That increase could be tied to the 40th percentile of non-hourly earners or tied to the cost of inflation.

The Partnership will continue to monitor the ruling and relay information as it becomes available. For more information contact Mark Foster, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

TOURISM CONTINUES TO GROW

The 2014 Economic Impact of Travel on Iowa Counties Report was recently released by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Des Moines County generated $131.99 million in visitor expenditures in 2014, resulting in a 5.52 percent increase over 2013. Visitor expenses include transportation, lodging, food service, entertainment, recreation and retail. It is estimated that tourism is saving Des Moines County residents approximately $380 each year in tax relief.

“Tourism is Des Moines County’s fastest growing industry and a great way to import dollars into the economy,” said Chelsea Tolle, Executive Director Greater Burlington CVB. “We must continue to market Greater Burlington as a destination to encourage new travelers to visit the area and promote repeat visitations.”

Des Moines County is ranked 13th out of 99 counties for total expenditures. Tourism in Greater Burlington supports 1,030 jobs, $22.60

million in payroll, and $7.05 million in state and local tax revenue.

Follow Us On

RiverPark Place610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200

Burlington, Iowa 52601TELEPHONE 319-752-6365

FAX 319-752-6454E-MAIL [email protected]

WEB SITE www.greaterburlington.com

Documents

GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. …