March 2012 - Burlington Chamber of Commerce

March 2012 Vol. 92 No. 3
The Experience
Making Connections,
Building Community p8 - p9
Greater Burlington
Leadership p16
A Newsletter for the Greater Burlington Partnership
View The Experience at www.greaterburlington.com

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
News
Volume 92 No. 3
Tour”Upstairs Downtown”
Page 3
$2 Million Revolving Loan Available
Page 4
Region Heads to D.C. Summit
Page 5
CVB Host Iowa Associations
Page 5
Golden Ticket Adventure
Member of the Month
Just A Thought Page 4
Front Cover Photo:
Ed Minard
319-750-2873
edminardphotography.com
EdMinardPhotography@gmail.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is
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
page 2
Page 6
Page 7
Making Connections, Building
Community
Page 8 - 9
Member Renewals
New Members
Calendar of Events
Member Information
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Upcoming Partnership Events
Page 14
Partnership Calendar
Page 15
Greater Burlington Leadership
Page 16
Small Business Appreciation
Breakfast Save the Date: May 18
On May 18, it will be time to recognize small
businesses of Des Moines County. Small
businesses have a major impact on our community
and local economy. Join us in honoring them at
the 2012 Small Business Appreciation Breakfast at
the Comfort Suites Hotel & Convention Center.
The meal will begin promptly at 7:30 am.
Area small businesses will receive four
complimentary breakfasts. Additional breakfasts
can be purchased for $15. Take this opportunity
to show your support for area small businesses!
The featured keynote speaker is Mike Wagner,
CEO of the White Rabbit Group. Mike Wagner’s
business acumen has been developed through
more than thirty years of experience with a
number of organizations in a variety of industries.
Over those years, it became clear to Mike that the businesses with bottom line success have some very
basic things in common: leaders focused around a vision and support from engaged employees. Mike is
knowledgeable in a broad range of industries including web development, sales management, and consultative
sales.
To RSVP for the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast, contact Brenda Levitt by May 14 at 319-208-0047 or
blevitt@greaterburlington.com.
Nominate a business for the 2012 Small Business of the Year!
Businesses who have exemplified outstanding business achievements and community service are encouraged
to apply. All nominations will be made electronically this year. You will be emailed a link to the nomination
form, or you can access it at www.greaterburlington.com. Nominations are due by Tuesday, May 1. It is
customary and perfectly acceptable to nominate your own company for the award.
If you have not received the link for the nomination form via email and would like a form mailed to you,
contact Brenda Levitt at 319-208-0047 or blevitt@greaterburlington.com.
Kay Sackville Breuer
Vice President
319-208-0041
kbreuer@greaterburlington.com
Steve Frevert
Downtown Partners, Inc.
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056
sfrevert@greaterburlington.com
Dennis Hinkle
President & CEO
319-208-0050
dhinkle@greaterburlington.com
Jaime Howard
CVB Asst. & Welcome Center
Coordinator 319-208-0052
jhoward@greaterburlington.com
2011 Small Business of the Year: Standard of Beaverdale
Jason Hutcheson
Economic Development
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0043
jhutcheson@greaterburlington.com
Sherri Krause
Finance Manager
319-208-0044
skrause@greaterburlington.com
Brenda Levitt
Econ. Development & Govt.
Affairs Coord. 319-208-0047
blevitt@greaterburlington.com
Sheila Newman
Existing Industry and Workforce
Specialist 319-208-0048
snewman@greaterburlington.com
Beth Nickel
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045
bnickel@greaterburlington.com
Melissa Schwenker
Membership Director
319-208-0046
mschwenker@greaterburlington.com
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
Brenda Wischmeier
Director of Marketing
319-208-0040
bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com

Tour “Upstairs Downtown”
Downtown Partners is teaming up with several property owners to bring you “Upstairs
Downtown,” a very special tour of upper story spaces. From luxurious condos to newly
completed apartments to residential developments in the planning stages, come see how
the adaptive reuse of historic buildings is reenergizing downtown Burlington.
The “Upstairs Downtown” tour will be held Sunday, March 18 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Advance tickets are available for $10 at the Iowa Store and The Medium/Weird Harold’s.
You may also purchase tickets at the door of any site during the tour.
The featured spaces are at 400/404 Jefferson, 413 Jefferson, 200 N. Fourth, and
Schramm’s Corner at Third and Jefferson.
For more details, visit www.greaterburlington.com or contact Steve Frevert, Executive
Director of Downtown Partners, at 319-752-6365 or sfrevert@greaterburlington.com.
Take the Downtown Wine Trail
With spring in the air, it’s time to hit the trail – the Downtown Wine Trail!
Participating merchants will open their doors for this Spring Open House event on
Saturday, March 31 from 5 to 8 pm. Representatives will be on hand to provide samples
from wineries throughout the region. It’s a perfect way to sample some new tastes and
browse some of the great shops in downtown Burlington. There will be special prizes
and giveaways as well. The event is free and open to those 21 or older.
You’ll be able to sample wines at The Iowa Store, Original Cyns, Weird Harold’s,
The Medium, The Tattered Parasol, Camera Land, Country Friends, Mundt Piano
& Organ, Nature’s Corner, and Burlington by the Book. For more information, call
Downtown Partners at 319-752-6365 or visit www.greaterburlington.com.
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
Sponsored by
page 3

The Partnership’s Role in
Political Advocacy
In February, nearly 50 delegates and 25 students from
Southeast Iowa descended upon Des Moines for the
annual Great River Region Days advocacy event. The
delegation consisted of both business leaders and local
elected officials, Jason and Hutcheson, these events Executive always provide Director a great
forum for interesting Economic discussion. Development Upon return, however,
we often ask ourselves Greater Burlington several questions. Partnership Was it worth it?
Did we make a difference? Did our presence influence
legislation?
The answers to these questions are not easy to quantify.
Ultimately, however, I believe these trips are absolutely
essential. The interactive sessions allow members of our
delegation to build relationships with policy makers and
state department heads. The meetings also give us an
opportunity to tell the emerging story of our region. This
year, that story included evidence of the area’s economic
momentum.
It is important for legislators to hear from the business
community. The world is extremely complex, and policy
makers cannot be experts on every topic. They depend
on feedback whether it comes from comments at a
hearing in the Capitol Building or at weekend policy
forums.
During this year’s Great River Region Days event, a
session was held regarding the use of Tax Increment
Financing (better known as TIF). Our audience included
mayors and city administrators along with business
owners that depend on the appropriate use of this local
economic development tool. The discussion (held in a
room adjacent to the Capitol Rotunda) helped provide
page 4
Just a
Thought
additional context to the larger debate. In fact, Debi
Durham, the director of the Iowa Economic Development
Authority, sat in on our session just to listen.
These advocacy efforts do make a difference.
Policy engagement at the state and federal level is
important, but our most critical role is in the local
communities we serve. For that reason, you should
expect a strong advocacy effort from your Chamber of
Commerce. Not long ago, a local resident was quoted
in The Hawk Eye insisting that ‘one call from the
Chamber’ was more powerful than popular opinion.
While I disagree with the general assertion, The Greater
Burlington Partnership does indeed have an impact on
local policy. There are several good reasons.
1. The Partnership represents 675 members with more
than 18,000 employees. Those are real numbers, and
they provide the organization with strong credibility.
2. The organization picks its battles. It would not
be wise to engage in every controversial issue.
Sometimes small victories must be conceded to
advance the greater cause.
3. Mutual respect is a must. There will always be
disagreements on matters of policy. When issues
become personal, they become a distraction to the
debate.
4. Partnership staff stays connected. Our organization
is often seen as a credible source for information and
guidance on policy matters. Building relationships
with local decision makers enhances that credibility.
Employers within any community need a strong
advocate. In Greater Burlington, your Chamber of
Commerce is unapologetic about filling that role.
Jason Hutcheson, Executive Director
Economic Development
RIVER RIDGE DENTAL CARE
RIVER RIDGE DENTAL CARE
RIVER RIDGE DENTAL CARE
“A “A Commitment to Excellence”
“A DR. Commitment DAVID C. to Excellence”
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DR.
DR. NATHAN M. HEUBNER
DR. NATHAN M. HEUBNER
700 N. Third Street • Burlington, Iowa 52601
700 N. 700
(319) www.riverridgedentalcare.com
Third N. Third Street • • Burlington, Iowa Iowa 52601 52601
(319) 752-1840 • www.riverridgedentalcare.com
• www.riverridgedentalcare.com
(319) 752-1840 • www.riverridgedentalcare.com
700 N. Third Street
Burlington, Iowa 52601
(319) 752-1840
$2 Million in
Revolving Loan
Funds Available
Loans for business
development and expansion
are available in southeast Iowa.
Revolving loans provide gap
financing for working capital,
fixed assets or real property.
These loans fill the ‘gap’
between what the bank can
lend and what the business
needs.
Currently, the Southeast Iowa
Regional Planning Commission
(SEIRPC) has $2 million to
loan in southeast Iowa, with
up to $500,000 available per
project. Since 1994, SEIRPC
has loaned over $3.7 million
to 57 different businesses.
Industrial, commercial, retail,
restaurants, medical and
service businesses have all been
assisted with gap financing.
Loans are made on the basis
of jobs created and retained,
the quality of the project and
the participation of a primary
lender. The loan application
requests similar information
required by a primary lender.
If you are in need of business
financing, contact Jeff Hanan
at: 319-753-4316 or
jhanan@seirpc.com.
We specialize in customers!
Burlington
Locations to Serve You
1233 N. Roosevelt 400 N. Main
752-2741 753-5488
Also Ft. Madison
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email: billupstire@lisco.com
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RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365

Great River Region D.C. Summit
The Great River Region is preparing for the D.C. Summit 2012.
Delegates from Southeast Iowa will meet with Senator Grassley, Senator
Harkin, Congressman Loebsack and congressional staff members
on a variety of key topics affecting our region. Although influencing
legislation at a national level may seem like an insurmountable task, it
is important that the business community continues to interact with
policy makers.
Please mark your calendars and join us in influencing our legislators on
April 24 - 25. If you plan to attend the summit, your hotel reservations
can be made at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 202-737-1234.
Mention the Great River Region Days room block for a discounted rate.
This trip is a cooperative initiative of the Chambers of Commerce and
Economic Development organizations in Des Moines, Henry, Lee and
Louisa counties. For more information about attending the summit,
contact Brenda Levitt, 319-208-0047 or blevitt@greaterburlington.com.
Greater Burlington to Host Iowa Associations
The Greater Burlington community will be welcoming two association groups to the
community in the month of March for meetings and conferences. Leadership Iowa, a
program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation, will be hosting one
of their monthly sessions on March 2 and 3. The session will focus on public safety and will
include meetings, tours, and receptions throughout the community and region. The session
will attract approximately 46 attendees to the community.
The Iowa Association of Women Police will be hosting their Annual Spring Training
Conference in Burlington March 25 – 27. The Iowa Association of Women Police is
an official non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of women in law
enforcement. This conference will attract approximately 50 attendees to the community.
Officer Laura Larger and Officer Melissa Moret served as local connectors in helping attract
this conference to the Greater Burlington Community.
If you belong to an association, club, or board and travel out of town for meetings,
conferences or trainings, contact Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Convention and Visitors
Bureau at 319-208-0045 to learn how you can be a local connector.
Carpet and
Furniture Specialists:
• Commercial & residential services
• Complete fire/water/smoke
damage restoration
• Floor waxing & polishing
• Upholstery & total home cleaning
24-hour Emergency Service
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
SERVICEMASTER
OF BURLINGTON
754-8168 / 800-246-8168
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
We Need Your Connections!
You can help bring thousands of
new dollars to Greater Burlington.
Simply complete the online Greater
Burlington Connector Form
before May 15.
Each person who completes the
form will be eligible to win a
Kindle Fire.
Visit www.greaterburlington.com
and click on the Greater
Burlington Connector button.
The form will take you less then
5 minutes to complete.
page 5

page 6
New Displays at the
Welcome Center
If you haven’t been to the Port of Burlington Welcome Center lately,
now is a great time to stop by. Several new displays have been added,
including a focus on business and industry in Greater Burlington with
a display by Case New Holland (CNH). The display highlights the
importance of CNH in Burlington’s history and also includes some
fun things to see. Additional new displays have been added to highlight
anniversaries that take place for several annual events this year.
The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is open daily 9 am - 4:30 pm.
CNH Display and Snake Alley Display
www.edminardphotography.com
Greater Burlington Promoted
at Tradeshows
The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes the
Greater Burlington area at a variety of tradeshows this time of year. The
Convention & Visitors Bureau will be attending shows that are aimed at
vacationers and the group travel market.
Each year the Convention & Visitors Bureau attends a handful of
shows that primarily focus on the leisure and consumer travel market.
Anticipated attendance ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 attendees at each
show. This year the Convention & Visitors Bureau will be attending
shows in the Quad Cities and Cedar Falls/Waterloo areas.
“Having a presence at tradeshows each year gives Greater Burlington
an opportunity to meet face to face with potential visitors,” said Beth
Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors
Bureau. “Many people who visit our booth are excited to learn about all
of the great attractions and events we have to offer them throughout the
year.”
The Convention & Visitors Bureau just returned from the Heartland
Travel Showcase in Knoxville, TN. This show is an appointment based
show that was used to help attract the motor coach market to Greater
Burlington.
Leads generated at tradeshows are kept in a database at the Convention
and Visitors Bureau Office. Contact is made with these leads several
times throughout the year.
“Golden Ticket To Your Backyard Adventure”
Mark Your Calendars: May 18 – 28
Local residents will be sent out to explore the community armed with their “Golden Ticket” to visit local attractions
during the Second Annual Golden Ticket to Your Backyard Adventure promotion on May 18 -28.
“After some positive feedback from last year’s promotion, the Convention & Visitors Bureau and local attractions are
teaming up again,” said Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The
promotion will include more attractions and be extended so locals have more time to visit the added attractions.”
Approximately nine attractions and tourism related businesses will be opening up for discounted rates and offering
special activities and programs during the eleven day promotion. Burlington Trailways will be providing complimentary
community tours on Thursday, May 24th in conjunction with the Downtown Farmers Market.
“Golden Tickets” will be distributed throughout the community starting May 1st. The tickets can be picked at any of the
partnering attractions or downloaded from www.greaterburlington.com.
Watch for more details in next month’s issue of The Experience newsletter or contact Beth Nickel at 319-208-0045 or
bnickel@greaterburlington.com.
To date, participating attractions include Fun City, Des Moines County Historical Society,
Des Moines County Conservation, Art Center of Burlington, Kenny’s Roller Ranch,
Burlington Public Library, Port of Burlington Welcome Center,
Burlington Bees Baseball and Burlington Trailways
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365

MEMBER OF THE MONTH
1780 Stonegate Center Drive, Burlington, Iowa
319-753-1300
www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-burlington-iowa-IA107
www.comfortsuitesevents.weebly.com
H & L Mack Truck Sales Corp.
Since 1956, providing new
Mack and used trucks.
Genuine Mack
parts, sales and service
Hwy 61 South
Mediapolis, IA 52637
319.394.9143
www.hlmack.com
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
Comfort Suites Hotel
and Conference Center
Conveniently located off Highway 61 on the south side of Burlington, the Comfort
Suites Hotel and Conference Center is the premiere choice in southeast Iowa for
lodging, dining and gathering.
With 86 spacious non-smoking guest suites we have plenty of room for business
travelers, families and those just looking to getaway. Our great amenities include hot
breakfast buffet for all guests, large indoor heated pool and hot tub, game room, guest
business center and fitness center.
Our full service restaurant, Peaches Café and Steakhouse has great dining with nightly
specials and Sunday brunch. The Comfort Suites Lounge has weekday happy hour and
live music Friday nights.
Our Conference Center has 10,000 square feet of flexible banquet and meeting space
and our professional staff will cater to your every need. We can accommodate groups
up to 400 people and have the expertise to handle your special requests. We offer our
corporate guests the most modern technologies with our high speed internet access
available throughout the property, cutting edge audio/visual capabilities and top notch
service. You can be sure no detail will be missed.
Follow us on Twitter - Like us on Facebook!
The Greater Burlington Partnership is widely using social media to boost brand awareness, share breaking news and promote
Partnership events. The Greater Burlington Partnership encourages Chamber of Commerce members and individuals to follow
us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. You can simply visit www.greaterburlington.com and click on the social media icons.
The Partnerships Twitter is twitter.com/GBPartnership
The Partnerships Facebook is www.facebook.com/pages/Greater-Burlington-Partnership/37921849635
“As the number of people and businesses using social media continues to rise, it’s essential for the Greater Burlington Partnership
to engage social media,” said Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing. “Social Media is one of the best ways to keep
up to date with businesses on what they have going on.”
You can also find Downtown Burlington, Iowa and Greater Burlington Iowa
Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook!
page 7

Making Connections, Building Community
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 Joyce Vance and Donna Logan, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. They were
delightful and kept the crowd entertained with a few jokes throughout the evening. Rick Buller, Berthel Fisher and Company/
Legacy Partners, spoke as the 2011 Chairman of the Board of Directors and was presented with a plaque of appreciation for his
term. Mike Dick, CPA Associates, P.C., took on his new role as the 2012 Chairman of the Board of Directors and set his ideas and
goals in motion. A video and short roast were given to Dennis Hinkle, President and CEO, for his upcoming retirement. This was
his final Annual Dinner as President and CEO of the Greater Burlington Partnership.
Special thanks to the Annual Dinner Committee who made the night possible: Corky Wolbert, Joyce Vance, Mary Delzell, Sue
Eastin, Kali Eastin, Donna Logan, Kay Kent, Patty Moad, and Kay Sackville Breuer.
Join Us in Congratulating all the Winners!
Jeff Burkhart, Farmers and Merchants Bank and Trust presented
Tom Walz with The Emmy award.
Rick Buller presented the Chairman’s Award to Matt Shinn,
Two Rivers Bank & Trust, for his dedication and vision in the Imagine
campaign. The Imagine was the community-wide initiative to engage
everyone who lives, works, visits or studies in Des Moines County and the
greater Burlington area to help create five big ideas for the future. The five
visionary ideas that were generated will make the area a better place
to live, work and play.
Pictured with all the Award Winners: Rick Buller, Legacy Partners and
Dennis Hinkle, President and CEO, Greater Burlington Partnership.
The Emmy Award, which has been a tradition of the Chamber of Commerce
since 1965 . . . . is to be presented only to people who have by some deed, action,
or continued years of community service helped the community and is not
normally recognized for his or her actions.
This year’s Emmy was awarded to Tom Walz, for his passion and continued
volunteerism in the community since age 9. Tom began his volunteering at
the Y and has kept serving the public both through his professional career and
volunteer roles. His volunteering has included Steamboat Days, Snowbull,
Burlington Bees, High School Fundraisers, Snake Alley Criterium, the Lions
Pancake Breakfast, the Chili Cookoff, Heritage Days and Toys For Tots. He’s
helped with more floods than he can count, always the first to get there and the
last one to leave.
Tom volunteers because it’s important to the people involved or the entire
community, therefore becoming important to him. He believes in Burlington and
West Burlington and its citizens. He is a hands on tireless worker and leader. Always
helpful and cheerful. He shows up and asks what needs to be done and does it.

The Best Renovation of a Facility was awarded to Mississippi
Valley Regional Blood Center for their newly renovated facility that
included the addition of four donor screening rooms, sectioning off of the
donation area, installation of a second garage door, new flooring, cabinets
and counters, as well as construction of a new parking lot.
The Community Impact Award was presented to Doug Ziegler
and the Burlington Soccer Club. Their first annual Burlington Monster
Match Soccer Tournament was a huge success, attracting more than 1,100
participants and another 3,000 spectators. The tournament filled hotel
rooms to 100% occupancy during a slower time for local hotels as well
as benefited local restaurants and retailers.
The Business Person of the Year was awarded to Martha Wolf, The
Ivy Bakeshoppe. Martha is an energetic business owner and has created a
restaurant with obvious success. Martha can be seen running in and out of
businesses or with an apron on greeting customers. No matter where she
is or what she is doing, you will always see her with a smile! Martha was
busy working - accepting the award on her behalf is daughter Hannah.
The Project of the Year was awarded to Westland Theatres and Tim
Burcham. This new facility was built in seven months at Westland Mall
and features a 5,000 square foot lobby, ten state of the art theatres with
wall to wall screens measuring about 45 feet across. Three of the screens
are 3-D, and all ten theatres include stadium seating and reclining seats.
The Young Professional of the Year was awarded to Chris
Lee. He is activily involved in his work at the Des Moines County
Conservation and brings his knowledge of the natural resources field to
everything he is involved in. He is currently President of the
Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Chapter in Burlington, is a participant
in Greater Burlington Leadership and serves on the Downtown
Partners Board of Directors.

2012 MEMBER RENEWALS
Access Energy Cooperative and
Access Energy Propane
AD Specialties Unlimited
Advance Chiropractic Center
Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine
Air Choice One
Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever
Chapter 271
Alfagomma America
Allen Blasting and Coating
Alzheimer’s Association
American Ordnance
AmericInn
Anderson, Roberts, Porth & Wallace,
P.L.C. Law Firm
Bakers Pride
Beckman TV & Appliance
Bel Canto Chorale
Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness
Bickford Assisted Living and
Memory Care
Borghi USA
Brockway Company
Brockway Mechanical & Roofing Co.
Burlington Area Family Practice
Center
Burlington Church of Christ
Burlington Family Eyecare
Burlington Golf Club
Camera Land
Cameron Insurance Services
Carlos O’Kelly’s
Carpetland USA
Carter Chiropractic Clinic
Carter Nursery
Casa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Century 21 Property Professionals
Cessford Construction Company
Childrens’ Dental Center of SE IA
Christ Episcopal Church
Burlington Civic Music Association
CNH
COBO International
Collision Center Corp
Construction Management Services
Contract Services
Dave Bessine Electric
Iowa State University, Des Moines
County Extension Service
Design Homes
Designer’s Viewpoint
Details
Diamond Vogel Paint Center
Doran & Ward Printing Company
page 10
Drake Hardware & Software
Dresser-Rand, Steam Turbine
Business Unit
Employee Benefit Systems
Ernest Pilkington - Independent
Assoc. LegalShield
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Federal Mogul Ignition Products
Financial Adjustment Bureau
First Congregational Church
First Presbyterian Church
Fleck Sales
Flint Cliffs Manufacturing
For Our Birds & Gardens
Furniture City
General Electric Company
Goodwill of the Heartland
GRADE A PLUS
Graystone Construction, Inc.
Great River Christian School
Great River Entertainment
Great River Materials
H & R Block
H. Daniel’s & Associates
Haines, Carol and Bob
Happy Joe’s of Burlington
Hawkeye Pedershaab
Heartland Harley-Davidson/Buell
Howard Johnson
IKON Office Solutions
Integrated Technology Partners
Integrity Builders & Supply
Iowa State Bank
The Iowa Store
Iowa Wesleyan College
J.D. Byrider/CNAC
Kitchen Solvers
KPI Concepts
Krafty Kids Klothing
Little Angels Childcare
Lowe’s Appraisal
March of Dimes
Martini’s Grille
Massage Cool la Vie
McGregors Furniture
Mediacom
Ann M. Menke, CPA, PC
Merit Construction
Merschman Fertilizer LLC -
Burlington River Terminal
Midland Mediation
MidWestOne Bank
Mike Nelson Concrete Paving Co.
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 14.
Those members listed in bold also made voluntary contributions.
Renewing members will be recognized in the newsletter through May.
Miracle Car Wash
Mississippi Valley Callers
Association
Mississippi Valley Human Resources
Mundt Piano and Organ Company
Napoli Pizza and Restaurant
National Federation of the Blind of IA
New York Life
Newbury Village
Orndoff and Associates
Paddlewheel Lounge
The Pampered Chef-Deb Swink
Parrott Farms
Parties Unlimited
Peace in Balance, Stephanie Cook
Peaches Cafe and Steakhouse
Refreshment Services Pepsi
POS Professional Office Services
Prall’s
Rainbo Oil Company
Dr. Brad Randolph
Rheinschmidt Tile and Marble
Riddles Jewelry
Ritter’s Florist, Garden Center,
Landscaping
River Basin Publications
Riverview Business Center
Burlington Rotary Club
RSC Equipment Rental
Running Wild
Dr. Teresa Salino-Hugg
Salon West
Sears
Servpro of Burlington
The Sherwin-Williams Company
The Sherwood Company
Sickel’s Launderers & Dry Cleaners
Slumberland Furniture
Snyder’s - Lance
Southeast Iowa Builders Association
Southeast Iowa Cardiology
Associates
Southeast Iowa Regional Airport
Authority
Spirit Hollow
State Farm Insurance - Dave Vavroch
Subway #1
SunnyBrook Assisted Living
Super 8 Motel
Target
Team Staffing Solutions
3E Electrical Engineering and
Equipment
Today’s Modern Hair Option
Two Rivers Insurance Services
Tyson Fresh Meats
Burlington/West Burlington Area
United Way
U.S. Bank
Van Meter
Wal-Mart Stores
The Waters Edge Co.
Whitey’s Bar & Billiards
Whitham, Ed
Wild Rose Manor - Guest House
Windstream Communications
Iowa Workforce Development
Wunderlich Excavating & Plumbing
Member
Meeting
Mark Your Calendars
4th Wednesday at 7:30 am
Greater Burlington Partnership
Johnson Room
All Chamber of Commerce
members and their employees
are invited to attend a “What’s
New” round table discussion.
Upcoming Dates:
April 25
May 23
June 27
July 25
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365

NEW
MEMBERS
Iowa Department for the Blind
5241 4th St, Des Moines, 515-681-4914, www.IDBonline.org
Victoria Kollman, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor,
victoria.kollmann@blind.state.ia.us
The Iowa Department for the Blind provides employment services to
blind and visually impaired Iowans who are looking for a job or want to
retain or advance in their current career. The Department for the Blind
believes that with the right skills and opportunities a blind or visually
impaired person can be a competitive and valuable employee.
Jeff’s West Avenue Auto
2400 W Ave, Burlington, 319-754-6812
Jeff Heald, Owner
Let Jeff’s West Avenue take care of your automotive repair needs.
Whether it’s a taillight, a tune-up or anything in between, stop by and let
us earn your business.
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
500 W Madison, Ste 4000, Chicago, http://fa.opco.com/michael.ridge/
Michael J. Ridge, Director-Investments, Michael.ridge@opco.com
Michael Ridge, a Burlington native, is director of investments at
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. with 18 years’ experience in the financial services
industry. He recommends asset preservation strategies to pre-retirees and
retirees who are concerned about outliving their money.
Smile Shoppe
210 S 5, Burlington, 319-752-1600, www.smileshoppe.com
Dr. Amy Groeltz, Dentist/Owner and Martin Joyce, Owner/ CFO
At Smile Shoppe, the most advanced dental care is offered with
compassion and empathy. Independent owner Dr. Amy Groeltz and the
Smile Shoppe team are ready to provide you and your family with the
highest quality dental care in the most relaxing atmosphere. We pride
ourselves on the outstanding quality of work using the most current
treatment options in our state of the art facility. We are proud to be
part of this great community, having the privilege to create long lasting
relationships and smiles.
SHOTTENKIRKBUYSCARS.COM
WE ARE INTERESTED IN PAYING
CASH FOR VEHICLES UNDER
85,000 MILES
Thomas Janitorial Services
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
910 S 12th St, Burlington, 319-754-8336
Garry Thomas, Owner, garrythomas41@msn.com
We professionally clean offices, office buildings, wax floors, and new
construction clean-up. We have been in business in the Burlington area
since 2000. Call us for all your cleaning needs.
Wendy Riggens Photography
409 N 4 St, 3rd Floor Burlington, 319-753-3061, www.wendiriggens.com
Wendi Riggens, Owner/Photographer, info@wendiriggens.com
Wendi specializes in capturing the personality of the subjects she
photographs and creates unique, timeless images. She has been
photographing weddings since 2004 and opened her business in 2006.
She loves photographing maternity and newborn sessions, and offers
beautiful and discreet birth photography. Her 3rd floor loft studio is a
great place for professional headshots as well! Call or email to schedule
an appointment.
Wireless Central
550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, 319-754-8000, www.uscellularstores.com
Leticia Hood, Store Manager, westburlington@wirelesscent.com
Wireless Central and U.S. Cellular are dedicated to providing unsurpassed
customer service. Our goal is to deliver the ideal customer experience each
and every time. Our talented team has helped thousands of people make
the right choices for their wireless needs. Our employees are experts; they
receive continuous training, ensuring our team is up-to-date on the latest
plans, programs, services, and phones from U.S. Cellular.
Benefit of Membership
Schedule Your Business Success
The Greater Burlington Partnership wants to hear about your
Business Successes and would like to join you in celebrating
with a Ribbon Cutting. Your Business Success will be featured
in The Experience, online and on the Greater Burlington
Partnership Facebook page.
To schedule your Business Success, contact Melissa Schwenker
at mschwenker@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0046 to
take advantage of this free membership benefit.
page 11

March
Sponsored by
1 - 18 - Mississippi Waterfowl Exhibit
Art Center of Burlington
Includes paintings from French wildlife artist Maxime Bochet. For more information,
319-754-8069 or www.artguildofburlington.org.
8 - 10 - SnowBull
Burlington Memorial Auditorium
Southeast Iowa’s Premier Indoor Bull Riding event. For more information and to
purchase tickets, visit www.snowbull.org.
9 - Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way Annual Meeting
PZAZZ! Conference Center — 12 - 1 pm
The Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way will hold its Annual Meeting with
a noon luncheon. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the United
Way Office at 319-752-7831. $14.50 per person. The Annual Meeting agenda includes
nominations for organization officers and board members.
9 - Snowbull 2012 Cowboy Rendezvous Featuring Brushfire
The PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center - 9 pm
Brushfire blends five extremely talented musicians with incredible harmonies, an
explosive stage show and a fresh, dynamic sound produced by an array of instruments
to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. With performances across
the country, Brushfire has played shows with Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry,
Gretchen Wilson, Alan Jackson and Jake Owen! $5 at the door for 21 and over only.
11 - Second Sunday Performance
Des Moines County Heritage Center — 3 pm
This month’s performance will feature Hal Morton and friends. Door opens at
2:30 pm and seating is limited. $5 per person at the Columbia Street door. For more
information, 319-752-7449 or www.dmchs.org.
18 - Bel Canto Spring Concert
First Congregational Church — 3 - 4:30 pm
Enjoy an inspiring afternoon of traditional classical choral pieces and a few popular
tunes performed by 35+ semi-professional vocalists from southeast Iowa. Directed by
Dr. Tim Ahern. Pianist is Leigh Pirtle. For more information, 866.722.4692, ext. 5065
f or www.burlbelcanto.com.
page 12
Calendar of Events
18 - “Upstairs Downtown” Tour
Downtown Burlington — 1 - 4 pm
The featured spaces are at 400/404 Jefferson, 413 Jefferson, 200 N. Fourth, and
Schramm’s Corner at Third and Jefferson. Tickets $10 at The Iowa Store and The
Medium/Weird Harold’s. You may also purchase tickets at the door of any site during
the tour. For more information, www.greaterburlington.com.
24 - 31 - Stained Glass Artisans
Art Center of Burlington
Gallery hours are: Monday - Friday 1 - 5 pm, Saturday & Sunday 1 - 4 pm. For more
information, 319-754-8069 or www.artguildofburlington.org.
24 - SEISO Spring Classical Concert
Memorial Auditorium — 6 - 9:30 pm
Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra presents the music of Silbelius and Beethoven’s
triple concerto with the California-based Aleron Trio. For more information, 319-385-
6352 or www.seiso.us.
30 - Taste of Fine Wine, Arts & Ale Scholarship Fundraiser
Pzazz! Convention & Event Center — 6 - 9:30 pm
Taste many wines, beers and coffees and listen to live music while enjoying fabulous
food and bidding on silent auction items, followed by a live auction of wonderfully
unique items. Student art show and sale, too. Net proceeds (est. $20,000) go for
scholarships at Southeastern Community College. Tickets $50 each. Sponsor Tables
for 8 are $500. To reserve your ticket or table call 319-208-5065 (weekdays)or
319-470-1129 (eve/weekend).
30 - 31 - 9th Annual Family Spring Bluegrass Music Festival
Comfort Suites Hotel
Family-oriented event featuring up to six bands performing bluegrass, traditional
country and gospel live on stage. Performances begin Friday evening and continue on
Saturday afternoon and evening. Tickets available at door. Youth talent show Saturday
10 AM. Lots of jam sessions & merchandise vendors. For more information,
573-853-4398 or www.tsbafestivals.org.
31 - Downtown Wine Trail
Downtown Burlington - 5 - 8 pm
Sample wines and try new tastes and browse some of the great shops in downtown
Burlington. The Iowa Store, Original Cyns, Weird Harold’s, The Medium, The Tattered
Parasol, Camera Land, Country Friends, Mundt Piano & Organ, Nature’s Corner, and
Burlington by the Book. For more information, www.greaterburlington.com.
To Submit Calendar Information
www.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfm
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365

Get Your Tickets for the Taste of Fine Wine,
Arts & Ale Scholarship Fundraiser
The 6th annual Taste of Fine Wine, Arts & Ale is scheduled for Friday,
March 30 at the Pzazz! Event Center at 6 pm with a silent auction and two
hours of tasting an estimated 80 wines, beers, ales and locally roasted
coffees, followed by a live auction. Local purveyors participating include
Lindon Meadows, Baxter Winery, Millstream Microbrewry, Fleck Sales
and Golden Eagle Distributing. Digger’s Rest will provide samples of
specialty roasted coffees. Donated Coca Cola products will also be available.
Throughout the evening Pzazz! chefs will feature a wide array of delicious
hot and cold appetizers and desserts, including Lenten specialties.
Net proceeds from the event will help fund SCC scholarships for local
students enrolling at SCC and college mini-grant projects. The event will
also include a large student art show where a number of pieces will be
available for purchase. Silent and live auctions will include numerous unique
and exciting items donated by college employees, students, alumni and
friends of SCC.
Tickets are $50 each, sponsor tables for eight people will be $500 and will
include reserved seating, proximity to the auction stage, party favors, and
hors d’oeuvres and desserts at the table. Again this year, transportation
will be provided to pick up and deliver Lee County patrons to and from
the event. To order tickets or reserve sponsor seats, contact Julie Glasgow
at 319-208-5062 or jglasgow@scciowa.edu. To donate an item or service,
contact Becky Rump at 319-208-5065 or brump@scciowa.edu. The deadline
to RSVP is 4:30 pm March 29.
Notre Dame - Gym-Sized Garage Sale
Looking to do some Spring cleaning? Any items from your basement, attic
or garage make great contributions for the sale. The Gym-Sized Garage Sale
is set for March 31.
Don’t pitch! Save and donate to Notre Dames Garage Sale. We will be
collecting and sorting on Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30, from
9 am – 4 pm. If you have items to donate simply drive up to the entrance by
the west high school gym doors and students will be available to help you
unload.
Please call Val Giannettino, Development Director 319-754-8431 ext. 385 if
you have items to donate.
To Submit Member Information Send to Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com
OFFICERS
Chamber Board of Directors
Chairperson
Mike Dick, CPA Associates, P.C.
Past Chairperson
Rick Buller, Legacy Partners
Chair-Elect
Bryan Bross, Klingner & Associates
Treasurer
Jeff Burkhart, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Julie Anderson, Hope Haven Area Development Center
Dave Beach, Hy-Vee Food Store
Sonya Belger, Styltique
Eric Benne, Swanson, Engler, Gordon, Benne & Clark L.L.L.P
Jim Carter, Dresser Rand
Joe Cochran, CPA Associates, P.C.
Rodney Gibbons, Slumberland Furniture
Laura Hubbard, CNH
Lynn Humphries, American Ordnance
Jim Kammerer, Great River Health Systems
Bill Malcom, MTC Technologies
Brian Messer, Farmers Savings Bank
DIRECTORS Chamber Board of Directors
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
Youth Appreciation Scholarship
Applicants Wanted
Does your Junior or Senior represent the Optimist Values or
have they contributed to the betterment of our community? The
Optimist Club of Burlington-West Burlington wants to provide
scholarships to your student!
How to Apply:
Ages: High School Juniors & Seniors
Application Locations: Des Moines County High Schools &
The Burlington Public Library
Applications Due: March 28, 2012
Contact: Stephanie Bailey at 319-759-6976 or
amarijbailey@yahoo.com
Recognition Ceremony will be held May 2, 2012 where
scholarship winners will be announced!
Southeast Iowa Regional Job Fair
Employers, register now to connect with job seekers at
IowaWORKS Regional Job Fair. IowaWorks of Southeast Iowa
will be hosting a job fair April 26, 2012 from 11 AM to 5 PM.
The job fair will be held at the new National Guard Armory in
Middletown, IA. Hire a Veteran! We are dedicating the first
hour to helping our returning veterans find a job. We estimate
more than 200 veterans will attend. Take this opportunity to join
us and find your next employee.
Registration fees are $160 for table and electricity. For more
information, www.iowaworkforce.org/region16.
Burlington Community School District
“Supporting all students in their quest for lifelong learning.”
The Burlington Community School District will be
“ROUNDING-UP” next year’s kindergarten students the week of
March 19 and registering 4 year olds for our Grayhound Preschool
Program. All families with a child who will be 5 (for kindergarten)
or 4 (for Preschool) on or before September 15 are encouraged to
call 319-753-6791, ext. 110 for more information. We are excited to
have you visit our buildings, meet our teachers, and see for yourself
what a great place the Burlington Community School District is!
Deb Mulch, Burlington Community YMCA/YWCA
LJ Pritchard, Titan Broadcasting
Michelle Russell, Rheinschmidt’s Flooring America
Mary Beth Sanchez, J & S Electric Business Systems, Inc.
Gary Schmeiser, Sterzings Food Company
Lance Shaver, Federal Mogul Ignition Products
Don Sheedy, Peaches Cafe & Steakhouse
Judy Stevens, Re/Max Real Estate Specialists
Theresa Thielen, Hass Thielen Funeral Home
Marvin Thomson, Two Rivers Investment Services
Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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.
MeMBeR INfoRMatIoN
page 13

Business After Hours
MidWestOne Bank
March 15, 5 - 7 PM
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
page 14
Eggs & Issues
RiverPark Place
Winegard Board Room
March 17, 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.
Sponsored by
Preferred Products Corporation
MidWestOne Bank
3225 Division Street
Burlington, IA 52601
www.midwestonebank.com
Greater Burlington
Leadership
Healthcare
Session
Proudly
Supported by:
Great River
Medical Center
505 Social &
Community Tour
March 8, 5:15 pm
5:15 pm - Underground Downtown Burlington Tour,
meet at 401 Jefferson Street.
6 pm - Pre St. Patty’s Day Party, Kelly O’Shea’s,
609 S. Main St., Burlington
Enjoy both events or just the event that fits into your schedule.
Open to individuals ages 21–42. Annual membership is $55.
For more information, contact Kay Sackville Breuer at
kbreuer@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0041.
www.greaterburlingtonyp.com
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365

March 2012 (J)
12 pm ( J)
Farmers Market Committee
8 am (SCC)
5th Grade Career Fair
7:30 am ( J)
Executive Committee
8 am (SCC)
8th Grade Career Fair
12 pm (City Hall)
DPI Business Development
7:30 am (W)
Board of Directors
12 pm ( J)
12 @ 12
4 pm (A)
Future Workforce
8 am (Weird Harold’s)
DPI Marketing & Promotions
11:30 am ( J)
DPI Design Committee
7:30 am ( J)
BRE Committee
3:30 pm (A)
Chamber Foundation Meeting
7:30 am (A)
Entrepreneurship Committee
4 pm (A)
Leadership Program Committee
7:30 am (A)
Value-Added Ag
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
Johnson Conference Room (W) Winegard Board Room
(A) Alliant Energy Executive Conference Room
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
1 2
FRIDAY
5 6 7 8 9
7:30 am (A)
Government Affairs
8 am ( J)
Ambassadors
5:15 pm (401 Jefferson Street)
YP 505 Social & Community Tour
12 13 14 15 16
5 pm (MidWestOne Bank)
Business After Hours
19 20 21 22 23
Does your
business
need a
better fix?
We can help.
866-722-4692
www.scciowa.edu
5:05 pm (Catfish Bend
Casino)
YP 505 Social
26 27 28 29 30
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
12 pm ( J)
YP Leadership
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
Leadership
2011- 2012
In April, the members of the Greater Burlington Leadership Class
will kick off their effort to replenish food banks serving the Greater
Burlington area. The effort, aptly dubbed “Occupy Hunger” is the
class’ group project and couples food drives with local events in the
area.
The effort will kick off during the Burlington Bees’ opening week of
home games. During the home games on Thursday, April 12 through
Sunday, April 15, Occupy Hunger “Protestors” will be present to
collect canned food and personal hygiene items from fans. For every
fan that donates an item, the Bees will donate one dollar to the cause.
The “Protestors” will also work at the stadium’s concession stand
during the whole month of April, donating their pay from the work to
the food banks as well.
Occupy Hunger protestors will also descend upon 34 Raceway on
Saturday, April 21 as the race day sponsors. Again, protestors will
collect canned food and personal hygiene items for the food banks
at the event. Then, between hot laps and the feature race, drivers will
hit the crowd up for monetary donations by passing their helmets
around. Occupy Hunger protestors have set the goal
of receiving 2,012 units of items and dollars combined
during the month-long effort.
“Occupy Hunger”
Greater Burlington Leadership participants hold $1 Million
during the Entrepreneurship Session..
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.
To learn more about Greater Burlington Leadership, visit
www.greaterburlington.com/chamber_gbl.cfm for more information
or to nominate a candidate for the 2012-2013 series.
your bridge to the future
burlington • west burlington • mediapolis
mt. pleasant • new london • coralville
iowa city • des moines • west des moines
ankeny • ft. madison • davenport