March 2012 - Burlington Chamber of Commerce

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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” DR. DAVID C. CAMP DR. DAVID C. CAMP 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 Offering Complete Tire & Auto Service Over 24 tire brands available email: billupstire@lisco.com www.billupstire.com 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 1 and 2: March 2012 Vol. 92 No. 3 The Experi
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March 2012 - Burlington Chamber of Commerce

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