The Changing Visitor Economy [email protected] … · 2020-06-09 · COMMUNITY EVENT...

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 97 NO. 8

The August 2017

The Changing Visitor Economy

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

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO319-208-0043jhutcheson@greaterburlingtoncom

Brenda LevittGraphic [email protected]

Kay Sackville BreuerVice [email protected]

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

Sherri KrauseChief Financial [email protected]

Belinda ColwellOffice [email protected]

Chelsea TolleConvention & Visitors BureauExec. Dir. [email protected]

Rachel LindeenEvent [email protected]

Cindy HenryCustomer Relations [email protected]

Jeremy HessDir. of Economic [email protected]

Khayree [email protected]

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

PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER

by Jason HutchesonWe knew it would happen. Construction at Iowa Fertilizer Company would slow one day, andwe would see a softening in the visitor expenditure market. Our economy benefited in countlessways from Iowa Fertilizer Company, and the extended timeline proved valuable to local businesses.Although there will always be maintenance crews in and out of the plant, the construction peak hasconcluded.

Area hotels are feeling the effects. You probably are as well.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau subscribes to a data service which tracks both occupancy andaverage daily rate on a monthly basis. It is one of the quickest, most accurate methods by which wemeasure visitor activity. Visitor traffic effects not just the revenue of hotels, but also gas stations,restaurants, retail, and other local establishments.

For the month of May, hotel occupancy was down 24%, and YTD, occupancy fell 17% year over year.In 2017, the average revenue collected per hotel room was $48.68 per day – down about 14% from thistime last year. Although those numbers are discouraging, they are not surprising. We all expected this.

The story doesn’t have to end there. As you are well aware, a group has been working diligently tocreate competitive space for weekend sports tournaments during the winter months. The success ofthe RecPlex can be replicated (albeit on a slightly smaller scale) all year round - helping to support thiseconomic impact built in part by visitor traffic.

The current plans call for two facilities. One would showcase courts used in basketball, volleyball,and other court-related sports. In addition, a second facility will contain turf - enough for five soccerfields which can be used by a number of additional turf-related sports. On a conservative basis,these buildings should sell about 8,000 – 9,000 hotel room nights per year, and of course, the visitorspending in all kinds of categories along with it.

It is no small task, as the price tag of this effort is $10 million. The hotel industry has stepped up in amajor way financially to make this happen, but it will take broad community support to pull this off.

If you would like to learn more about this project, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d be happy toarrange for a personal visit to answer all of your questions. We can do this. Our economy dependson it!

ON THE COVERChamber of Commerce Golf Classic Committee

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

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

Downtown Partners’ Farmers Market Steering Committee hasits hands full running the most successful event of its kind in theregion. With the support of Two Rivers Bank & Trust and theleadership of new market manager Jerry Johnson, the JeffersonSt. Farmers Market is poised to build on the success of last year’smove from the riverfront. The steering committee sets vendorrates, plans special themes and events, schedules entertainment,and helps with the logistics of presenting a large eventon a weekly basis.

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For the past 18 years, a small but mighty group of dedicatedvolunteers has made the Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic ahuge success. Annually, the committee begins making plans inthe spring, securing donations for golfer goodie bags and doorprizes. They put new ideas in place for the events during the day,such as the chipping and putting contests, and they hand writethank you notes to the numerous sponsors. They also work theregistration table and contest holes and help with set up and teardown. Without the volunteers, it would be difficult to put all ofthe plans in place.

The Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic began in 2000 withthe idea of a fun filled day where members could invite clients orreward employees for an afternoon of golf. The golf course haslong been seen as the place where deals are made and contractsare secured.

The volunteers for the Golf Classic have changed slightly, butthere are a few familiar faces that have given of their time andtalents for several years. Kristin Rowley has been working onthe committee since the second event. Kristin can handle anyquestion from her years of experience. Patty Moad and JenniferRowley began on the committee back in 2006, Trish Staub joinedin 2011, and our newest member is Lynn Egan, who began in 2014.The group has worked together for so many years, they all knowtheir duties, have a wealth of knowledge and offer fantastic insightfor the event.

Pictured on the cover are volunteers Patty Moad, Farmers & Merchants Bank& Trust; Trish Staub, Alliant Energy Burlington Generating Station; KristinRowley, EBS and Lynn Egan, Record Securities. Additional committeemember not pictured is Jennifer Rowley, Great River Health Systems.

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#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 3

Each year the Greater Burlington Convention &Visitors Bureau sets aside a portion of the budget to supportlocal events bringing visitors to Greater Burlington. If youor someone you know hosts a local event, we invite you tosubmit an application. Events must submit a new applicationeach year to be considered for funding.

Since 2008, the program has awarded over $240,000 in grantsto attract new visitors to the area, enhance visitor experiences,and strengthen quality of life for Greater Burlington residents.

The 2018 Community Event Funding applications willbecome available August 21 with a due date of October 2.The application is available at GreaterBurlington.com or bycontacting Chelsea Tolle.

There is still time to submit your events tobe included in the 2018 Burlington/West BurlingtonCommunity Guide. Be sure to include the event date, time,location, contact information, and a brief description. Usethis free marketing opportunity to promote yourcommunity event!

The guide is shipped all across the United States and a fewother countries, too. You never know who might come to yourevent because they read about it in the guide.

To be included in the 2018 Community Guide, submit yourevent by August 15 at GreaterBurlington.com.

COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

2018 Community Guide Events

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS LIKE YOU!

The Greater Burlington Partnership offers a widevariety of marketing options for your businessto take advantage of, including sponsorships andadvertising. Options include marketing to areabusiness leaders or to the community, dependingon your preference.

A complete guide of options will be mailed to allmembers in mid-August, allowing you to take alook at what works best for your business and youroverall marketing plan. Once you have made yourdecision, contact Kay Sackville Breuer.

Marketing Options Galore!

Fireball Run is all about telling the story of our community, and ourbusinesses are what makes this place special. By sponsoring this event, yourbusiness has the chance to help share the story of Greater Burlington. Volunteerswith the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau are currently in theprocess of reaching out to businesses about sponsorship opportunities. Feel freeto contact Chelsea Tolle if you are interested in partnering but have not yet beencontacted.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at GreaterBurlington.com/FireballRun.



Help us honor Des Moines County manufacturerswith the 2017 Manufacturer of the Year Award.Nominations are being accepted at GreaterBurlington.com through September 1.

This year’s Manufacturer Appreciation Luncheonwill be held on October 6 at Comfort Suites Hoteland Conference Center.

HonoringArea Manufacturing

Presented by:

With a new roof keeping it dry for the first time in decades, theformer Typewriter Shop at 300 Washington is ready for its storyto continue. Assisted by a Main Street Challenge Grant for theroof, a Historical Resource Development Program emergencygrant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to repairdeteriorated roof trusses, and Iowa DNR funding to identifyhazardous materials and clean up asbestos, Downtown Partnershas given the building a new lease on life.

The organization acquired the long vacant building from theCity in 2016 and took the steps necessary to prevent furtherdeterioration and make it a more attractive investment. “Last

month we had a massive volunteer clean out day to get rid ofthe decades of accumulated debris,” said DPI Executive DirectorSteve Frevert. “It made a huge difference.” Aided by additionalChallenge Grant funds, Klingner & Associates has producedmeasured floor plans, useful for redevelopment. The building isnow listed for sale with Jesse Caston of Terrus Realty.

“We’ve taken a building that everyone had written off as a lostcause and brought it back from the brink,” said Frevert, “andthat’s an immensely satisfying feeling. We’re looking forward toseeing what its future holds.”

DPI Puts 300Washington on the Market


PRESENTED BY:

Golf Towel: Casebine Community Credit UnionEagle: Two Rivers Bank & TrustCart: Air Choice OneSocial Hour: Iowa Wesleyan University

Birdie: Anderson, Roberts, Porth, Wallace & Stewart LLP;Aspelmeier, Fisch, Power, Engberg & Helling, P.L.C.; Big RiverResources West Burlington; Burlington Trailways; Catfish BendCasino; Edward Jones – Joel Sieren; Farmers Savings Bank; GreatWestern Bank; Merit Construction; MidWestOne Bank; RickBuller Financial Services; Southeast Iowa Regional PlanningCommission; Summer Street Animal Clinic; Tyson Fresh Meats;and U.S. Bank

Hole: Advanced Home Health Care; Carl A. Nelson & Company;L.J. Roth Restoration Service; Servpro of Burlington; Shearer’sSnacks; State Farm Insurance – Kent Brown Agency; andTeam Staffing Solutions

The clubs are coming out for the 18thAnnual Chamber Golf Classic on August24 at 12:30 pm. Golfers and sponsorsalike are excited for this year’s event!Play for the day will be a four person,best shot tourney. Join us at SpiritHollow a little early to take advantageof the driving range and grab a bite toeat. For additional information, contactKay Sackville Breuer.

FORE!


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Join Us for a Night Under the Stars!

Jefferson St. Farmers Market

Downtown BurlingtonFifth & Valley Streets, Dusk

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemFriday, August 4Presented by: TD&T

Thursdays 4:30 – 7:30 pm200 – 500 blocks of Jefferson Street


The largest river steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen isan elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Lacelike detailing evokesmemories of the riverboats that preceded her and inspired her designers.

Join us on the riverfront Saturday, August 19 to see the largest, mostopulent riverboat in the world grace Burlington’s riverfront and welcomethe passengers of the American Queen.

Passengers will explore our community from about 8 am – 5 pm.

The American Queen


Why did you join YP?I joined YP to network with other youngprofessionals and became more involved with thecommunity. I really enjoy attending the Lunch andLearns and 5:05 Socials.

What Community organizations do youvolunteer for?I currently serve on the Board of Directors forDowntown Partners, a member of the campaigncommittee with United Way and recentlygraduated from the Greater BurlingtonLeadership class.

Why Greater Burlington?I grew up 20 minutes from Burlington and havealways enjoyed all that it has to offer. There isalways something to do, no matter what ageyou are.

Unique about me: I enjoy all things Fall. I lovethe changing trees, pumpkins, Hawkeye footballand sitting around the campfire.


GREATERBURLINGTON

YOUNGPROFESSIONALS

Young ProfessionalsBiz Tour

Silgan ContainersAUGUST 17, 5:15 - 7:15 pm

Take a tour of Greater Burlington’s newest manufacturingfacility! A new opportunity for YPs to see Silgan Containers,

the largest provider of metal food packaging in theUnited States!

SAVE THE DATE!YP ConferenceSeptember 21, 1 - 4 pm

PZAZZ! Convention & Events Center

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

YP OF THE MONTHJessica Dean

Employer: Great Western Bank Hometown: New London YP Member: 5 years

The Greater Burlington Young Professionals will host the2nd Annual YP Leadership Conference in September.

Keynote SpeakerRandy Winegard, CEO/President - Winegard Company

Breakout SessionsJeff Ebbing, Southeastern Community CollegeSamantha Helmick, Burlington Public Library


State of theEconomy Luncheon

September 13, 11:30 am - 1 pm

Spirit Hollow, G.G. Conn Pavilion

Be a part of this inaugural event which rallieselected officials, industry leaders, and localentrepreneurs around a single topic: thelocal economy.What are the economic indicators signaling? How should public policies evolveto drive future growth? This luncheon will be an opportunity to set the tone foreconomic momentum and ensure the community and its policymakers agree ona coordinated direction.

Momentum Sponsor: ITC MidwestPlatinum Sponsor:

$

FAREWAY FOOD STORES

OPTIMAE LIFESERVICES

Store Manager Dan Klinkenberg cuts the ribbon celebratingthe newly remodeled store.


NEW

MEM

BERS

Neff’s Tire and Auto324 N Main St, Burlington, 319-209-2138

Gary Neff, Owner, [email protected]

Neff’s Tire and Auto is here to take care of your auto service needs,

including all brands, new and used tires, brakes, batteries, and all other

auto services. Stop in for all of your auto service needs.

Pinned It Creations400 Jefferson St, Burlington, 319-572-0560, pinneditcreations.com

Jamie Grabowski, Owner, [email protected]

Pinned It Creations offers Pinterest inspired DIY workshops including

walk in make‘n’takes, private parties, kids camps, team building classes,

and more. Pinned It Creations is the 1st place winner of Greater

Burlington’s 2017 Small Business Plan Competition.

Rosebush Gardens Assisted Living4925 West Ave, Burlington, 319-752-1200, rosebushgardens.com

Director, [email protected]

Rosebush Gardens Assisted Living is proud to be Iowa owned and

managed. Rosebush Gardens is also part of the Blair House Rehabilitation

Center campus. We are a 36-apartment assisted living facility that

provides 24/7 care. We have three spacious apartment designs to select

from including one bedroom, one bedroom deluxe and two bedroom.

CELEBRATINGBUSINESS SUCCESSES

Optimae LifeServices celebrated their new CommunityIntegration Program with a Ribbon Cutting.

Bike Rentals

Planning is underway for the 2017 Teachers Appreciation Receptionon August 30 from 4 - 5:30 pm at PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex.

More than 20 business will be on hand to help celebrateDes Moines County educators and staff.

Lights! Camera! Action!Setting the Stage for SuccessPresented by:


Mountain, Fat Tire & Tandem BikesHour, Half-Day & Full-Day Rentals

Rent them at the Port of Burlington Welcome CenterOpen Daily 10 am - 4 pm

GreaterBurlington.com/WelcomeCenter

FINANCIALADJUSTMENTBUREAU INC.

Commercial • Professional • Retail

No Collection ~ No Charge

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

Let the professionals at theFinancial Adjustment Bureau

take care of your past due billsand bad checks.

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

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

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

3, 4, 5 - Will Watch - A ShakespeareFilm FestivalCapitol Theater, 6:30 - 11 pmBurlingtonCapitolTheater.com

4 - Live After 5Port of Burlington, 5 - 8 pmSteamboatDays.com

4 - 5 & V Outdoor CinemaFantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemFifth & Valley Streets, DuskGreaterBurlington.com

6 - Burlington Municipal Band ConcertCrapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 - 8:30 pmMuniBand.Homestead.com

8, 16, 23, 30 - Open ClimbingStarr’s Cave Nature Center, 1 - 4 pmDMCConservation.com

10 - Life is Your Art Informational Series:Making a “Bucket List”Art Center of Burlington, 6 - 7 pmGreatRiverHospice.org

11 - The Lucky Losers with Cathy Lemons& Phil BerkowitzThe Washington, 8 pmTheWashingtonMusic.com

13 - West Burlington Flea MarketDes Moines County Fairgrounds6 am - 12 pmWestBurlingtonFleaMarket.com

17 - Young Professionals Biz TourSilgan, 5:15 - 7:15 pmGreaterBurlington.com

18 - Jefferson Street Cruise NightDowntown Burlington, 5 - 9 pm

18 - The Evan Stock Band withShamemakerThe Washington, 8 pmTheWashingtonMusic.com

19 - American Queen DockingDowntown Burlington Riverfront

19 - Paddle in the ParkBig Hollow Lake, 9 am - 12 pmDMCConservation.com

19 - Bluzillion with Boat MotorThe Washington, 8 pmTheWashingtonMusic.com

24 - Chamber of Commerce Golf ClassicSpirit Hollow, 11 amGreaterBurlington.com

24 - Search for Life Beyond Earth in Spaceand TimeEdward Stone Middle School, 7 - 9 pm

25 & 26 - Mediapolis Town & Country DaysMediapolis Downtown & ParkFacebook.com/TownandCountryDaysMepoIowa

GET MORE EVENT DETAILS:GreaterBurlington.com

SAVE the DATE

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Jefferson Street Farmers MarketDowntown Burlington, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

GreaterBurlington.com

SEPTEMBER7, 14, 21, 28 - Jefferson StreetFarmers MarketDowntown Burlington, 4:30 pm

13 - State of the Economy LuncheonSpirit Hollow, G.G. Conn Pavilion11:30 am - 1 pm

21 - YP ConferencePZAZZ! Convention & Event Center1 - 4 pm

26 & 27 - Fireball RunDowntown Burlington

28 - Business After HoursComfort Suites, 5 - 7 pm

29 - Sip, Taste, & StrollDowntown Burlington, 5 pm

OCTOBER6 - Manufacturers AppreciationLuncheonComfort Suite Conference Center,11:30 am

12 - YP 505 SocialMartini’s Grille, 5:05 - 7:30 pm

19 - Business After HoursAccess Systems, 5 - 7 pm

27 - Downtown Trick or TreatDowntown Burlington, 4 - 6 pm



M

EMBE

RSP

OTL

IGHT

To be in the MEMBER SPOTLIGHTContact Brenda Levitt

Notre Dame POT O’ BLUE & GOLDCASH RAFFLEThe drawing will be held on Saturday, September 30 atBurlington Notre Dame Catholic School. Tickets areavailable at Notre Dame, area financial institutions andother retail outlets in Burlington and West Burlington.Seventy-five cash winners and a grand prize of $100,000!Your purchase of a Pot O’ Blue & Gold ticket helps NotreDame with 100% of the proceeds going to the school tosupport our teachers’ salaries, curriculum, technology andteachers retirement fund. For more information, contactVal Giannettino, Development Director at319-754-8431 ext. 385, [email protected] visit Notre Dame’s website burlingtonnotredame.com.Thank you for your support!

The Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way’sAnnual General Campaign Kickoff Luncheon will beheld Wednesday, September 20 at noon in the Pzazz!Convention and Event Center. The United Way GeneralCampaign officially begins with the Kickoff Luncheonand will run through November 30. The Annual KickoffLuncheon is sponsored in our community by F&M Bank& Trust, Great Western Bank, MidWestOne Bank, TwoRivers Bank & Trust and U. S. Bank. All United Waysupporters and volunteers are welcome to attend. Forreservations or more information, please contact theUnited Way Office at 319-752-7831.

UNITED WAY Campaign Kickoff

A series of three back-to-back slow-pitch softball gamesbeginning at 11 AM on August 6 will raise money forthe Burlington Police Department’s K-9 unit. A friendlyrivalry between teams including members of every policeand fire department in Des Moines County, along withMedForce employees and Des Com dispatchers, will viefor the win. There will also be a silent auction and a gunraffle. A K-9 demonstration will be held between thesecond and third games and a MedForce helicopter willland on the field before the first game to deliver gameballs to the umpires. The public can get a close-up lookat the helicopter and other emergency vehicles duringand after the games. The first 100 children will receive a“goodie bag full of fun stuff.” Tickets can be purchased inadvance at the Burlington Police Department or the WestBurlington Fire Department for $5 per person, $10 pergun raffle ticket. See you at Community Field!facebook.com/groups/532981270237270

BOOTS vs BADGES FundraiserThe F&M Community Foundation’s annual schoolsupply drive, Project: Crayon, is currently underway. TheF&M Community Foundation, a 501(c)3, has continuedto assist teachers and students with needed classroomsupplies for nine years because of community generosity.Due to budget cuts and the current economy, teachersare being forced to spend more of their own money topurchase the classroom supplies. Project: Crayon helpsto lighten their financial load by collecting new schoolsupplies and monetary donations. 100% of all donationsbenefit Burlington, West Burlington, and MediapolisElementary Schools. All school supplies are needed. Ifyou’re not sure what to provide, let the F&M Foundationdo the shopping for you. Donations can be dropped offat any F&M Bank & Trust location until August 11. Formore information, contact Brenda Wischmeierat [email protected].

PROJECT: Crayon

ORDER YOUR2017 COMMUNITY

GUIDE SUPPLY

319-752-6365

Follow Us On

WELCOME CENTER “Did You Know?”Did you know that the Welcome Center has over 300 brochures on display? Many of

the attractions highlighted are throughout Iowa, but we also have a few for Illinois,Missouri and Wisconsin, too! Next time you need to plan a family getaway, stop at the

Welcome Center first and see what catches your attention.

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

RiverPark Place610 N 4th St, Ste 200

Burlington, Iowa 52601TELEPHONE 319-752-6365

FAX [email protected]

GreaterBurlington.com

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The Changing Visitor Economy [email protected] … · 2020-06-09 · COMMUNITY EVENT...

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