West Bend, Iowa

Donald MillerGeneral Manager, Northwest Communications

The Grotto . . .

and a WHOLE lot more!

History

Established in 1856 First town in Palo

Alto County Special tax of 5 cents

was voted on for the building of the railroad within Township borders

Celebrating 150th anniversary in 2006

Community Snapshot

Population – 834 Municipal electrical, water, sewer & gas Communication services, ie telephone, CATV &

Internet provided by Northwest Communications West Bend-Mallard High School – Grades PreK

through 2nd and 8th through 12th in West Bend St. Peter & Paul Catholic School – K through 6th

Amenities

Municipal Swimming Pool Ice Skating at Grotto Pond West Bend Golf & Country Club Public Library Professional Services

Doctor, dentist, lawyer

Community Daycare Center

AttractionsThe Grotto of the Redemption

Began in 1912 by Father Paul Doberstein. Largest accomplishment of its kind in the world

Father Doberstein died in 1954 In 1946, Father Louis Grieving came

to assist, staying for 50 years completing the project

80,000-100,000 tourists each year

Other Attractions

Historical sites Old School House & Post Office Sod House Historical Museum – A funding drive has been

started for a new building for the Museum Old Fashioned Soda Fountain at The Villager Lodging

Park View Inn & Suites Campground at Grotto

Variety of Shopping Choices

Business Climate 88 Businesses 8 of top 10 businesses have

10-30 employees Over 66% of West Bend

households fall above $40,000 in annual income

Approximately 75% of businesses are owned or managed by people under 50

Approximately 10 businesses have their main headquarters in West Bend with satellite offices in other communities

Economic DevelopmentWest Bend Country Club

Project began in 1977 Sold $200, $500 & $1,000 shares, offered rebate

toward membership for shareholders Lots of volunteerism involved in project

Economic DevelopmentMedical Doctor Committee

Project began in 1979 Donations from the community to build a medical building A Doctor was then recruited and in the mid 80’s 2 two new doctors

purchased the practice of which one is current at the clinic In the mid 90’s the building was also sold to the doctors Currently, the Clinic is part of Palo Alto County Health Systems – and a

Partner in Mercy Health Network 8 employee including a full time doctor and a PA

Economic DevelopmentWest Bend Ford

Ford dealership began in 1919 Various owners until 1986 when the business was going to close Four employees sold 140 shares at $500/share. Shareholders had

to purchase 2 shares 1998 – sold to private owners and currently has 8 full time

employees

Economic DevelopmentA & B Hardware

Previously Our Own hardware Purchased by 6-7 community investors 1989 Moved to new location Closed in 2001

Economic DevelopmentSchool Addition

Large committee put together the proposal and plan $1.1 million dollar addition to the school 1992-1993 passed a bond issue with an 82%

approval rating

Economic DevelopmentWest Bend Community Lumber

Opened in 1993 – was an existing lumber yard in the process of foreclosure 200 shares sold to approximately 70 shareholders Run by Board of Directors 5 full-time & 15 part-time employees plus a full-time plumber

and electrician

Economic DevelopmentDentist & Eye Clinic

1994 project Funds through USDA Loan to purchase equipment Building financed by the Doctors’ Committee

using proceeds from the sale of medical clinic Brought eye doctor and dentist to West Bend

Economic DevelopmentCountryMaid, Inc. - Butterbraid

1989 CountryMaid was started by a local family in their basement

Produce Butterbraid - braided bread and carmel rolls. They are sold for fundraisers through dealers

1997 West Bend Econ Dev applied for a Rural Economic Development Loan/Grant (REDLG) to build a building The building was build and leased to own As funds are paid back, they go into

Revolving Loan Fund to be re-loaned Approximately 15 employees

RISE Grant, TIF program through the city for land & roads

CountryMaidGrowth & Future

Purchased additional building in 2003

Cookie dough product released Q2, 2003

Moved to 100% employee owned structure also in 2003

New meat based product to be released in Q3, 2004 Plans for building expansion, new products and additional 30 jobs by

2008. Currently employ approximately 40 Good corporate citizenship – 5 year commitment to West Bend

Historical Society for assisting in the construction of new museum

Economic DevelopmentRevolving Loan Fund

Established with CountryMaid REDLG in 1997

Businesses apply for loans for expansion, purchase and growth

Run by committee using guidelines approved by USDA

Typically award 5%-5 to 10 year loans

Since inception, over $450,000 has been loaned to 12 businesses

Economic DevelopmentI-LEARN Video Conferencing

RUS Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant (DLT) awarded in 2000

$350,000 plus $150,000 (30% match) from 3 telephone companies Established video conferencing system for 3 schools, hospital & 2

satellite clinics Classes taught over the system Monthly costs to school districts – provides 7/24 use

Economic DevelopmentPark View Inn & Suites and

Conference Center Existing motel purchased by shareholder capital

414 shares/217 shareholders Estimated $150,000 in-kind donations Run by Board of Directors

Lots of development initially Community meetings Field trips to other motels $1000/share – not $10,000. Offered payment plans

New motel built in 2002 36 rooms – 6 themed suites Pool, hot tub & sauna, poolside party room Conference center can seat 160

80% USDA loan guarantee $250,000 donation from City. TIF for new utilities 10% stay because of the Gotto

Economic DevelopmentPrairie Creek Assisted Living Center

10-unit Assisted Living facility Connected to Care Center REDLG awarded in 2001 which funded a portion of the building

As loan is paid back, the funds go into the Revolving Loan Fund City setup a $250,000 tax rebate program

Economic DevelopmentSkoglund Meats

Approximately 5300 square foot new locker facility currently under construction

Business purchased by current owners in 1978

Will allow USDA certification for state-to-state selling of products

Only locker with this certification within an 80 mile radius

REDLG zero-interest loan helped to fund building

City committed to $300,000 water & sewer project

Economic DevelopmentSpec Home Revolving Loan Fund

New Program – established in 2003 to create spec homes

20% of Revolving Loan fund used for spec home construction

Additional $75,000 revolving fund through the WBEDC was established by Northwest Telephone Cooperative Association

Projects are managed by West Bend Economic Development

West Bend also offers tax abatements and housing incentives for new homes

Economic Development Park Project

2003 new park next to high school New basketball/tennis court

was constructed Improvements to shelter

house New playground equipment

Joint effort between the WBM Community School, City of West Bend, Economic Development & Chamber of Commerce

$20,700 project – Over $18,700 has been donated by 100 contributors Sold yards of cement for fundraiser

$10,000 of labor was donated by construction companies. Grade school kids raised over $500

Future Projects

New Historical Museum Spec Home(s) Feasibility study for Bio-Diesel plant by Max

Yield Cooperative CountryMaid expansion

West Bend, Iowa

www.WestBendIowa.comwww.WestBendGrotto.comWest Bend City Hall 515-887-2181 city@westbendiowa.com

The Grotto . . .

and a WHOLE lot more!