News

May

• Small Business Appreciation Breakfast - Award Winners Announced
  

  Today more than 170 Chamber of Commerce members gathered at the Comfort Suites Hotel & Conference Center to recognize area small businesses at the 2013 Small Business Appreciation Breakfast.

• Greater Burlington - Entertainment at its Best!
  

  Greater Burlington is a great place to slow down and spend quality time together as a family or with a group of friends. Slowing down in Greater Burlington does not mean you have to sacrifice outstanding amenities or entertainment and recreation options.

• Case New Holland to Create More Jobs
  

  Company not seeking local funds for planned growth expected to add jobs. 

• Branstad Praises Regional Iowa Works
  

  Brandstad announces local office is first to meet Skilled Iowa goal.

• Creating a Complete Street
  

  Representatives of Des Moines County Living Well, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning, SCC, the YMCA, and Downtown Partners are launching a Complete Streets pilot project dubbed Better Block Burlington. Complete Streets are roadways designed to accommodate all users, not just autos. Enabling all modes of transportation in a safe environment encourages

April

• Partnership Hires David Toyer to Lead Economic Development Efforts
  

  Jason Hutcheson, President of the Greater Burlington Partnership, announced today that David Toyer has been hired as the organization’s Director of Economic Development.  The position leads the organization’s economic development division, also known as Grow Greater Burlington.  Toyer will be tasked with spear-heading the business attraction and retention efforts as

• Connections are Everything
  

• Planning an Event? Take Advantage of the One-Stop-Shop
  

  The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau provides complementary services to businesses and organizations that bring motorcoach groups, reunions, and meetings and conferences to Greater Burlington.  These services are available to make the job of the planner easier and make Greater Burlington a more attractive location to do business.

March

• Connections to Careers
  

  The Future Workforce Committee of the Greater Burlington Partnership and area manufacturers have been working together for the last 2 years to allow high school students the opportunity to explore careers right here in our communities.

• Iowa’s Oldest Elk’s Lodge Celebrates 125th Anniversary
  

  The Burlington Elks Lodge #84 is the oldest lodge in Iowa. This year marks the organizations 125^th Anniversary. A celebration is being planned for April 5 – April 7^th in Burlington, Iowa. Elk’s dignitaries and guests from across the State will be invited to Burlington to participate in the celebration.

• Lessons in Leadership Serve the Community
  

  Greater Burlington Leadership, an intensive professional development series designed to strengthen leadership skills by empowering and educating people who live, work or have interest in Greater Burlington, is presented by the Greater Burlington Partnership.  The class works together to support the community through a group project each year.

• Greater Burlington Receives Top 30 National Award
  

  The Greater Burlington area received some due recognition this week.  Site Selection Magazine’s March 2013 issue, which hit mailboxes earlier this week, rated Greater Burlington 30^th in the nation on its annual rankings of micropolitan statistical areas.  The rankings are based upon economic development projects announced or completed during 2012.

• Decorate a County Seat
  

• Partnership Engages in Google+
  

  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.

• 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.

• Advanced Manufacturing 2013 Spring Career Exploration Day
  

  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.

• Be A Marketing Ninja
  

  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.

• Pasta & Politics
  

  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.

• Farmers Market Vendors Sought
  

  Downtown Partners is gearing up for the 2013 season of the Riverfront Farmers Market. The market, supported by Great Western Bank, will take place at the Port of Burlington on Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:30 PM beginning May 2

• 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.

• Nominations Sought for the 2013 Small Business of the Year!
  

  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?

• 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.

February

• Tourism Growth Worth Noting
  

  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.

• Regional Partnership Responding to Fertilizer Plant Housing Needs
  

  Responding to the unprecedented demand for rental housing in southeast Iowa created by the Iowa Fertilizer Company project in Wever, the Great River Region Partnership will unveil a Web site March 1 serving as a one-stop housing shop for contractors and their crews.

• Manufacturers Making Headway in Des Moines County
  

  Great River Region is bucking trends by adding manufacturing jobs.

• Coffin Honored with Emmy Award
  

  Area man keeps himself busy in many areas of community service.

• Residents Need to Join Effort of South Hill Neighborhood Association
  

  Residents need to join effort of South Hill Neighborhood Association

January

• City Decides on Three Cuts
  

  Franchise fee on utilities also planned in talk of balancing Burlington's coffers.

• City of Burlington Property Tax Survey Results
  

  Jason Hutcheson, President & CEO presented the results from the Greater Burlington Partnership members at the City of Burlington council meeting today at 4:30 PM on the results of the City of Burlington Property Taxes. 

• Appreciating South Hill
  

  Neighborhood association honors efforts to improve South Hill area.

• SIRRC Funds Making a Large Impact
  

  Catfish Bend dollars getting funneled into small and large projects.

• SEIRPC honors Meyer, Provides Gap Financing to Keokuk Firm
  

  Group poured $1.4M into local communities last year.

• Weaving in with Wever: U.S. 61 group to make case for highway expansion due to Iowa Fertilizer Co. project
  

  U.S. 61 group to make case for expansion due to IFC project.

• Great River Region Prepares to Lobby Lawmakers in Annual Trip to Des Moines Next Week
  

  Great River Region prepares to lobby lawmakers in annual trip to Des Moines next week.  Great River Region reps headed to Des Moines.

• Investment and Business Continue to Pour into Downtown Burlington
  

  Burlington sees increase in investment, housing and new business.

• Iowa Fertilizer Plant Construction Should Create a Housing Crunch
  

  3,500 construction jobs to put available housing to the test.

• A One-Time Sneak Peek
  

  Apartments above Happy Mutant open for public view Friday.

• Mark Foster Joins Partnership Team
  

  The Greater Burlington Partnership is pleased to announce that Mark Foster, a 2011 graduate of Burlington High School, will be joining the team as an intern this semester.

• Downtown Partners Marks Big Year
  

  Downtown Burlington enjoyed a banner year in 2012. "Since we report our progress to the state on a monthly basis, it is easy to track our success," said Steve Frevert, Executive Director of Downtown Partners, Inc.

• Bryan Bross Named 2013 Chairman of the Board
  

  It is truly an honor and privilege to be named the 2013 Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board. It has been a pleasure to serve along side so many talented and tireless community and business leaders thus far as a Director. Now I look forward to leading the Board

• 2013 Existing Small Business Calls Begin
  

  The Greater Burlington Partnership wants to know what it is like to do business in the area, the challenges your company faces and, what your plans are for the future?

• Business Plan Competition Kicks Off
  

  The Des Moines County Business Plan Competition is set to launch its 6th annual competition. Participants will compete for a prize pool of $10,000 in reimbursable grants.

• Partnership 2013 New Leadership
  

  Officers and board members recently were selected to the various branches of the Greater Burlington Partnership for 2013.

December

• The Holidays are Over, Now It’s Time to Buy Local and Redeem Those Chamber Bucks
  

  Finally, it’s time to relax, the holidays are over! You can sit back, put your feet up and giggle at the thought of everyone tearing into their gifts and paper flying all around.

August

• 
  Total Resource Campaign "Go for the Goal"
  

  "The Total Resource Campaign offers excellent exposure for companies both at the Partnership’s events and within our signature publications," said Rick Buller, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Teams are currently forming for the campaign.

October

• KPI Concepts "Manufacturer of the Year"
  

  KPI Concepts Inc. received the Manufacturer of the Year Award from Sue Frice, chair of the BRE committee.

January

• CVB Attracts Group Tours
  

  Attracting the group tour market is an important objective for the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, and this year the CVB will be represented at the American Bus Association Marketplace on January 8 and 9 in Grapevine, Texas. 

• Burlington Comprehensive Plan Seeks Input
  

  The plan will be prepared over the next year, with public input invited.  This is one of the best opportunities available for residents to really influence the future of the city.

• Downtown Busy with Multiple Projects
  

  “Rehabilitations representing roughly $25 million of investment are underway right now, and even more are in the planning stages,” said Steve Frevert, Executive Director of Downtown Partners, Inc.  “With around 20 projects being worked on, we are truly seeing a building boom in downtown.”

• 2012 Business Plan Competition
  

  The fifth annual Des Moines County Business Plan Competition has officially been launched.  The winners of this year’s competition will share in a prize pool of $9,000 in start-up grants. 

• Travel Federation of Iowa Hosts Legislative Showcase
  

  The showcase takes place on January 31 at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.  Communities, attractions, and tourism organizations, have booth displays. Legislators visit the booths to learn more about each destination and the impact tourism plays in Iowa communities.

• Seeking Community Award Nominations
  

  Now is the time to nominate your business or another local business for a number of community awards that are presented at the Annual Dinner on February 3.

December

• Members Celebrate Success at Annual Dinner
  

  The lights are low, candles flicker at the tables neatly decorated in navy and ivory, and a decadent cake resides in the center of each table. The volunteers have paid attention to every detail, setting the stage as community leaders fill the room to celebrate past achievements and look toward

November

• Entries Sought for Holiday Parade
  

  There is still time for area businesses, schools, churches and organizations to enter the annual Lighted Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 24.  This year’s theme is “The Polar Express.”  Parade entry forms are due on November 16; they can be downloaded on the Downtown Events section of the Greater Burlington

• Jobs Among Top Issues for D87 Hopefuls
  

  Region lags behind overall state unemployment rate.

• Bourn, Courtney Spar on Benefits Bill
  

  State Senate candidates don't see eye to eye on advertisement.

October

• Board Hopefuls Share Views
  

  Des Moines County supervisor candidates meet in third forum.

• Tour Offers Glimpse Beneath Burlington
  

  Underground Downtown takes visitors into city's historic underbelly.

• Partnership Seeks Nominations for Community and Emmy Awards
  

  The Greater Burlington Partnership celebrates the years’ success at the Annual Dinner on Friday, February 8, 2013 at the Comfort Suites Conference Center.  Awards are presented in several categories for businesses and the top honor and the Emmy Award.

  To Nominate: 
  Community Awards
  Emmy Award

• Blue Zones Reps Take a Look at Burlington
  

  City is first of 12 finalists to have site visit, set for Monday.

• Council Enthused About Downtown Apartment Plan
  

  Frantz-Hobart cleared perhaps the last of its hurdles Monday when the Burlington City Council voted 4-1 for a 90 percent tax rebate to coax the company into developing the commercial building on the southeast corner of Fourth and Valley streets into apartment units.
  
  

• Enter a Float in Lighted Holiday Parade
  

  Entries are being solicited for the annual Lighted Holiday Parade Nov. 24 in downtown Burlington.
  
  

• Issue Forum Set for Wednesday
  

  WEST BURLINGTON - Candidates vying for a seat on the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors will address issues raised by a panel from the Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Burlington Partnership at 7 PM. Wednesday.

• Tour “Underground Downtown”
  

  Downtown Partners presents a special tour of long forgotten basement spaces on Saturday, October 27.   This is a rare opportunity to see some of the lower level spaces that housed businesses from pool halls to a morgue in decades past.  The guided tour begins in front of 200 N. Fourth

• Downtown Burlington Trick or Treat
  

  Ghosts and goblins will have a chance to haunt downtown Burlington on Friday, October 26.  Downtown trick or treat hours are from 4 to 6 PM, with treats available at dozens of participating merchants. All little trick or treaters are invited to come down for the fun.  Call Downtown Partners

• Chamber Reaches Milestone
  

  Historically, membership has been stable, even thru the downturn in the economy, but most recently the Chamber of Commerce has reached a milestone.  In late September, it was announced that over 700 members have committed to the future of Greater Burlington.

• Travelers to Iowa Spend More Than $7 Billion in Iowa in 2011
  

  More than 63,000 Iowans have jobs, and state residents save more than $300 million dollars in taxes annually thanks to the tourism industry in Iowa, according to new data from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Tourism Office.

• Expanding Education
  

  Gov. Terry Branstad launched an advisory council through executive order last year to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, to prepare students for careers of the future and give businesses the skilled workforce they need.
  
  

• Burlington Makes Latest Blue Zone Cut
  

  Community is one of 12 finalists in state effort targeting healthier lifestyles.

• STEM Education Input Sought
  

  Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen are seeking input about the future of STEM education and economic development in southeast Iowa.

• Hinkle Leaves GBP in Good Shape
  

  SE Iowa native attained many successes in 11-year tenure.

   

September

• Downtown's Heritage Fest Marks 25 Years
  

  For the 25th year in a row, Jefferson Street will be bursting with activity during the annual Heritage Fest celebration.
  
  

• Downtown Burlington Celebrates 25th Annual Heritage Fest
  

  From music and food to kids’ activities and crafts, Heritage Fest in downtown Burlington offers fun for the whole family.

• Chamber Campaign Aims to Raise Funds and New Members
  

  The Greater Burlington Partnership's Total Resource Campaign starts Tuesday, and the organization aims to improve on last year's successes.
  
  

• Developer Eyes $10M Downtown Renovation
  

• Experts Say Local Economy is Improving
  

  Thousands of jobs added in state, but more needs to be done.

August

• Downtown Partners Sells Portion of Bookend Buildings
  

  “This is a significant step towards enhancing the appearance and economy of downtown Burlington,” said Steve Frevert, Executive Director of Downtown Partners. “For years the bookend buildings were emblematic of downtown disinvestment. Now they will become part of its accelerating revitalization.”

• Shell Building Lands Potential Buyer
  

  Economic development group pitches lowering price of Flint Ridge property.

• Harrington, Director of Economic Development Gearing up in New Post
  

  Rob Harrington hails from the same hometown and plans to bring some magic to the kingdom of Burlington/West Burlington through his economic development efforts.
  
  

July

• New “County Seat” Benches Unveiled
  

  The public is invited to celebrate the newest decorated benches in the Downtown Partners “County Seat Project” at a reception on Thursday, August 2 at 4 PM at the Art Center, 301 Jefferson.

• Iowa Ranks #12 as America's Top States to do Business!
  

• SnakeBall Returns
  

  Downtown Partners holds the second annual SnakeBall fundraising event on Saturday, July 28 at 9 AM.

• Outdoor Movies Continue Downtown
  

  The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the movie, which starts at dusk.  There will be activities beforehand, and popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be available. Please, no alcohol or glass containers.  For more information, call Downtown Partners at 319-752-6365.

June

• College Interns Welcomed to “A Taste of Burlington”
  

  The goal is to help interns have a positive, welcoming experience in the community. An experience that will encourage them to return to the area to start their career, as well as share with their classmates what a good place Greater Burlington is.

• Greater Burlington Leadership "Occupy Hunger"
  

  At the finale of the project, $2,400 in cash and 897 food or personal hygiene items were collected to distribute to the four area food pantries.

• Can or Can’t?
  

  I have worked in the community for 34 years, lived here for 14 years and worked for the Partnership for 11 years, and I have never been as bullish on Greater Burlington as I am right now!

• Hutcheson Attends Chamber Institute
  

  Jason Hutcheson, Director of Economic Development has completed his third year at the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management, a four year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Madison-Wisconsin.

• Golden Ticket to Your Backyard Adventure Winners Announced
  

  Hundreds of area residents participated in the 2nd Annual Golden Ticket to Your Backyard Adventure promotion May
  18-28.

• Outdoor Movies Return to Downtown
  

  Downtown Partners opens its summer outdoor movie season on Sunday, June 24 with Spaceballs.

• Imagine Effort Keeps Pushing Toward Goals
  

  Task force members meeting to discuss progress.

   

• 29th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Presented
  

  Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau received a 2012 Governor’s Volunteer Award from Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds during a special ceremony held June 1 in Ottumwa.

• GBP Hires Harrington as New Economic Development Director
  

  Hutcheson prepares to take over CEO duties of organization.

   

May

• $500K in CDBG Funds will Redo City Storefronts
  

  Properties in 300 to 600 blocks of Jefferson Street to be spruced up.

   

• MikeWay LLC Wins Des Moines County Business Plan Competition
  

  MikeWay LLC Wins Des Moines County Business Plan Competition

• Chamber Recognizes Efforts of Local Small Businesses
  

  Business plan competition in its fifth year.

   

• Greater Burlington Partnership Receives Website of the Year Honors
  

  Greater Burlington Partnership receives Website of the Year honors by Mid-America Chamber Executives

• Series Takes Leadership to Next Level
  

  Initial year of chamber's leadership program proves to be a success.

   

• Area Delegation Weighs in on Reform Efforts
  

• Downtown Partners, Communities Recognized for Efforts
  

  Downtown Partners was recognized Friday at the annual Main Street Iowa award dinner for three significant achievements.

• Main Street Iowa Recognizes Outstanding Achievements
  

  Award Winning Projects and Volunteers Honored

April

• Locals Lobby in D.C.
  

  Great River Region delegation talks with Grassley, Harkin.

   

• Managing a New Start
  

  Burlington's new city manager feels welcomed.

   

• 'Partnering' Campaign Hitting its Goals
  

  If Burlington's Partnering for the Future campaign were a college student taking a course, they would be getting an "A" three-fifths of the way through the term.

• Driving Support
  

  DOT commission listens to advocates of U.S. 61 expansion.

   

• Keep Burlington Beautiful!
  

  On Saturday, April 21, participants of all ages are invited to come out for the 12^th annual Earth Day Clean Up.

• USA Today Iowa Factory Town Builds New Future
  

  Burlington Iowa makes the USA Today

March

• 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.

April

• Iowa Transportation Commission Will Meet in Burlington
  

  Momentum is building for the expansion of U.S. 61, now that the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission has added the initial steps for the project to its five-year program.

• Burlington, Mount Pleasant Host State Bowling Tournament in '14
  

  Bowlers from across Iowa will be visiting southeast Iowa for 16 weeks in the late winter and early spring of 2014.

March

• Hauling Pieces of History
  

  Volunteers spend weekend sorting through downtown bookend buildings.

   

• The Des Moines Register Recognizes Greater Burlington
  

  BURLINGTON, IA. — Big factories define Burlington. For nearly 50 years, giant companies paid thousands of workers here good wages to build spark plugs, backhoes, batteries and bombs.

February

• Rick Buller, 2011 Chair of the Board
  

  The past year has been an amazing year for the Greater Burlington Partnership. I want to thank the many volunteers and tremendous staff who have positioned our area for great opportunities to come in the future! It has been an honor to serve as the 2011 Chair. So many volunteers

• Greater Burlington Leadership
  

  Greater Burlington Leadership 2011-2012 has proven to be a success after the first five sessions. Greater Burlington Leadership is a professional development series designed for individuals who want to develop and strengthen their leadership skills within the community.

• Just A Thought by Dennis Hinkle
  

  The key question of the political season in which we now are engaged should be how do we steer our nation back to a place where people expect and prefer to make their own way?

• 2012 Legislative Position Statements
  

  The 2012 Legislative Position Statements can be found on the Partnership’s website.

• Existing-Business Calls Spring into Action
  

  The Economic Development Division of the Greater Burlington Partnership exists to add and retain jobs and help grow the tax base of Des Moines County. To fulfill this mission, the organization must fully understand the local competitive business environment. As a result, the Partnership is again calling on existing

• 2011 Annual Report
  

  The 2011 Annual Report focuses on the Accomplisments of the Greater Burlington Partnership.  View the 2011 Annual Report.   

• The Experience February 2012 Edition
  

  The Greater Burlington Partnership 2012 February Edition of The Experience is available.  For the completed edition, view the 2012 February Edition of The Experience. 

• We Need Your Connections!
  

  The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is working to attract more meetings, conferences, and conventions to Greater Burlington. You can make a difference and be a connector for Greater Burlington.

January

• Chamber of Commerce, By the Numbers
  

  The Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Greater Burlington Partnership, is a business association existing to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and community development in Greater Burlington. 

• Promote Your Business at the Annual Dinner
  

  Each year the volunteers of the Annual Dinner put together a silent auction with local products and services.