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Published by The Business Connection, 2017-03-15 12:37:10

The Business Connection - March 2017

Marion Chamber / Uptown Marion / MEDCO Tri-publication

The Business Connection

March 2017

Equipping a Talented
Workforce Takes a Team Effort

The persistent challenge Students present their projects during the Jacobson Entrepreneur Camp
that we hear from our hosted in Marion each year. This program is made possible through a joint
business community is sponsorship between Marion Economic Development Corporation and
difficulty in finding people. the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
In the call out box are a few of
Inside the responses we heard from that challenge how specific What is your
our MEDCO investors at the industries tell their stories to greatest business
Value from a end of 2016 about challenges our community and future
MEDCO Investor they’ve experienced. workforce, and much more. challenge
right now?
Page 3 An exceptional business Consider these facts:
environment is a place where • In 1960, 20 percent • Finding a sales person
All Eyes on Art in May a skilled and well-educated • Ongoing construction labor
talent pipeline equips of jobs in the United
Page 12 businesses to achieve more. States required a four- force shortages
That’s a statement from year degree. By the year • Finding talent
$75K Grant Recipient MEDCO’s strategic plan and 2020 it is estimated • Finding engineering talent
part of a new initiative that that 33 percent of jobs • Finding quality substitute
Page 14 we are excited to announce will require a four-year
beginning this month. degree. teachers
• In 1960, 60 percent of • Finding and challenging our
MEDCO is regularly
engaged in activities that Talented Workforce new and next employees
expose middle school continued on page 4 • Quality Workforce
students to local career • Workforce Availability
opportunities, internship
opportunities that give
juniors and seniors a chance
to have hands on experience
in local industry, dialogue
with local human resource
leaders on ways to connect
with the next generation
of talent, sector boards

Stop in to find out why Gene
Neighbor
banking with us is ...
President
Faster. and CEO
Stronger.
Better.® Member FDIC | myfsbonline.com | 319-377-4891

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Anderson Bogert Vested in the
Community They Call Home

Anderson Bogert is a firm
that provides civil and traffic
engineering, planning,
roadway design, and
surveying services to both
public and private clientele.
They are a local company
with two area offices, one in
northeast Cedar Rapids and
the other on 11th Street in
Marion.
Three of the Anderson
Bogert principals, Jon
Bogert, Bill Bogert, and Jeff
Morrow, grew up in Marion,
went to Linn-Mar schools,
and studied engineering at
Iowa State University.  They, array of services to aid in become a high priority for through middle and high
Marion’s extensive growth.  public spending, which in school.
along with principal engineer Anderson Bogert specializes turn creates a need for skilled Anderson Bogert
Todd Happel, comprise in public infrastructure,
the leadership team at trails, airports, water, sewer engineers and surveyors. To recently completed the new
and transportation systems. support a talent pipeline, Airport Layout Plan for
Anderson Bogert. All three Services that support projects Anderson Bogert has the Marion Airport and
Linn-Mar grads moved that a growing community
back after experiencing like Marion needs. In participated in career days the City of Marion. This
addition, Bogert says Marion at area middle schools, critical planning project is
different communities post- operates with “transparency talking to young teens about required in order for the
graduation.  They returned in development,” from the
to the Marion area for many design phase to execution of career opportunities at their city to receive state funding
a project. He believes this is firm. They also brought for airport upgrades and
reasons – one of which what contributes to Marion’s on a high school student future development. They
referenced “it’s such a great exceptional environment to
place to raise a family.”  compete and thrive. intern in civil engineering are also part of the design
this summer through team for the Grant Wood
Jon Bogert explains that Bogert shares that it is Kirkwood’s Workplace Trail extending to Highway
his firm’s Marion location, exciting to see infrastructure
staffed by four engineers Learning Connection. 13 from eastern Marion, as
PHELAN’S Bogert acknowledges that well as the Marion Central
including himself, is college internships have Corridor project and Tower
positioned to provide a wide Our interior design experts
provide service you won’t changed over the years, Terrace development.
with many students leaving Like so many companies
find anywhere else. college with more than one in Marion, Anderson Bogert
internship under his/her is a family business. Like
728 Third Ave. SE, belt and a job offer on the so many family businesses,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 table before graduation. they are committed to their
With that in mind, his firm community and citizens
319-363-9634 has also embraced the role of Marion. Bill Bogert is
of introducing younger a valued member of the
www.phelansinteriors.com students to engineering MEDCO Board of Directors
and surveying career and Jon works out of the
opportunities earlier office in Uptown Marion.

2

Value from a MEDCO Investor

5 Simple Ways to Boost Employee Happiness

Imagine you’re gathering Who doesn’t like being asked seminars, and pursue
your things on a Friday for their input? continuing education.
afternoon, getting ready Helping your team grown
to head out the door for Tasking employees with promotes loyalty and trust
the weekend. One of your problem resolution creates within the organization.
top employees knocks on shared responsibility and Review your tuition
your doorframe. You smile promotes innovation. reimbursement and
as she silently hands you a
letter, finally breaking the Offer Flexibility — continuing education
silence with a rush of words You’re busy. I’m busy. We’re policies to ensure they align
on how thankful she’s been all busy! It can be a difficult with the needs of your team.
for the opportunity to work task for any of us to balance
here and … it hits you. She’s the needs of work and Share the Big
leaving. And it’s too late. personal life. Rather than Picture —
burning out employees, give Talk about where the
Most of us have been on them flexibility whenever company is headed. What’s
one end or the other of a and wherever possible. down the road for the next
resignation at some point Andrew J. Vaughn Telecommuting, flextime, year? How do employee
in our careers. Losing alternative schedules, contributions play a
talented employees can be Senior Recruiter leave policies, etc. can all role in the success of the
difficult and costly to an ESCO Group encourage flexible work organization?
organization. With the right
plan, we can work toward an important responsibility environments. Empower Employees who
reducing turnover and lessen employees to do the work understand their roles are
the likelihood of losing good for all managers. Focus on and let them manage the better positioned to execute
employees. behavior and avoid making details. work within the framework
it personal. you present. Talk to
Employee retention and Organizations benefit from Champion employees about their career
satisfaction are important frequent communication Development — path options and reinforce
factors all organizations and engagement. Most people will work 40 them with mentors and
need to consider when it Recognizing good behaviors, to 50 years in their careers. training.
comes to attrition. Happy thanking employees for Supporting professional We’re all here to work, but
employees create a positive their contributions, and development allows who says we can’t have fun
work environment and addressing concerns employees to acquire new and be happier while we’re
increase productivity. drives an interactive skills. You can build a at it? You’ve got a great team,
and accountable work more skilled workforce by now let’s keep them.
Here are five simple ways to environment. Effective encouraging your team to
boost employee happiness in leaders coach often and earn certifications, attend
the workplace: are committed to each
individual’s success.
Provide Coaching
and Feedback — Invite Ideas —

Successful leaders make We face problems every
the time to meet with day in the workplace. Ask
employees frequently and your employees to contribute
engage them. Coaching to solutions. Not only will
helps employees build skills they generate more ideas,
and independence. Taking but their contributions will
the time to give feedback is bring fresh perspectives.

MarionReachHigher.org 3

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

talented workforce, continued from page 1

US jobs were considered MEDCO’s Career Explorer club visited The ESCO Group in January 2017. partner in making a distinct
unskilled positions. By This club gives middle school students the opportunity to learn about promise that supports
the year 2020 these jobs unique careers within our local business community. the unique passions and
will account for only 7 pathways of our students.
percent of total jobs in with a multitude of ways possible. Yet our workforce These are the future leaders
our country. to engage in learning needs continue to grow. This of our community.
• In 1960, 20 percent of experiences beyond is why we believe it’s time for
jobs in the United States traditional curriculum and your economic development We hope you are able to
required specialized classrooms. For years, many corporation, your local join us for MEDCO’s 32nd
training that involved of you have stepped up to business community, and Annual Business lunch on
1-2 years of additional make these opportunities your school districts to March 8, 2017. We invite
training beyond high both our MEDCO investors
school. By the year 2020 and those of you who work
it is estimated that 60 tirelessly as community
percent of all US jobs champions to attend. If
will require this type of you cannot join us, please
specialized training. check out our website at
Our business community www.medcoiowa.org for
must play a lead role in an exciting announcement
making real connections regarding our commitment
with kids in order to equip to helping us all reach higher
them with the skills they and achieve more. We all
need in our future economy. have a part to play. Come see
Students today are provided how you can help.

Welcome New
MEDCO Investors

Ahmann Companies Cabinet Creations, Inc.

1641 Boyson Sq. Dr., Ste. 100, Hiawatha 801 62nd St., Marion
319-395-7900 | www.ahmanndesign.com 319-377-3787 | www.cabcre.com

GLD Commercial Real Estate Advisors Olmstead Construction

500 1st Ave. NE, Ste. 301, Cedar Rapids 651 58th Ave. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids
319-731-3400 | www.gldcommercial.com 319-362-4234 | www.olmsteadconstruction.com

Skogman Commercial Realty U of I Community Credit Union
Brian Rosteck
727 Oakbrooke Dr., Marion
411 1st Ave. SE, Ste. 300, Cedar Rapids 800-397-3790 | www.uiccu.org
319-363-8286 | www.skogman.com

4

A Note From Nick

As we reflect on 2016, Nick Glew, MEDCO President. the next generation of talent. others who want to be a
evaluating our progress It requires us to contribute to part of our success and our
requires us to consider a understanding and driving bold conversations that bring environment.
multitude of metrics such our business community
as new job growth and in alignment with the goals A successful business
capital investment. How of our local and regional environment starts with each
many companies completed educators. Our business one of you doing your part to
expansions or new facilities? environment challenges us make Marion the best place
How much lower is the to anticipate roadblocks and in Iowa to raise a family and
unemployment rate this deliver solutions for success. grow a business. The metrics
quarter? How many new When the environment will follow.
single family homes were is right, good things will
constructed and how did that happen. Nick Glew, President
compare to prior years? Each [email protected]
of these questions provide Many of you have seen the
important answers that solutions that make Marion exciting projects and planned
allow us to evaluate success. the best place in Iowa to grow developments featured in
We’re excited to share those a business. It’s the foundation the media over the past year.
metrics with our business of MEDCO’s strategic plan. 2017 holds great promise to
investors and community An exceptional business be another exciting one as
during MEDCO’s 32nd environment means we our community continues
annual business luncheon clearly communicate an accelerated pace of
on March 8th. We also Marion’s path to commercial and industrial
encourage you to take a look excellence. It means we growth. I encourage you to
at our most recent annual equip companies with the be a positive ambassador
report published to www. knowledge, expertise, and for our community here at
medcoiowa.org. relationships to innovate home, throughout Iowa’s
and remain competitive. Creative Corridor, and
Aside from the numbers, It means we ensure that anywhere you may travel.
success comes only in an businesses of all sizes have Your unique story of why you
environment that allows equal opportunity to engage love Marion will transform
our business community to the attitude and perception
compete and thrive. of our community into
one that builds loyalty and
The MEDCO board of becomes contagious to
directors is laser focused on

MarionReachHigher.org 5

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Innovate Marion Delivers Strategies for Investing in People

Innovate Marion has continued
to equip and motivate attendees
through hands on interactive
training. Innovate Marion is a
training program developed with
Kirkwood Community College that
launched last fall.
December’s session was
focused on engaging, equipping
and empowering future leaders.
Business leaders in attendance were
provided with actionable strategies
to implement top talent retention as
well as hiring practices to consider,
as emerging leaders are crucial to an
organization’s success. Leadership
training has become a top need for
organizations in Iowa, according to
ATW Iowa Training Trends Survey.
In February the topic included
how to manage and influence change
in the workplace. Participants were
challenged to ask themselves how
Sarah Young, presenter with Kirkwood Community College. they personally deal with change

and how to own change versus being
owned by it.
“Participant feedback has been
very encouraging. We developed
these topics around identified needs
of our business partners and the
sessions have provided immediate
value to the attendees” says MEDCO
President, Nick Glew.
Innovate Marion concludes with
the topic of “Employee and Employer
Goal Setting and Execution” on April
25, 2017. Participants will learn how
to avoid common pit falls when goal
setting and most importantly, how
to achieve them in a timely manner.
Learn more at www.medcoiowa.org.

Meeting your insurance needs.

360 7th Avenue, Marion, IA 52302 • 319-377-7321
www.bouslog.com

6

Welcome New
Chamber Members

BerganKDV Blue Sky Productions

2720 1st Ave. NE, Ste. 300, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 1700 Banner Dr., Marion, IA 52302
319-794-8000 | www.bergankdv.com 319-210-0266 | www.blueskypd.com
Blue Sky Productions LLC has spent 15 years earning a reputation for
BerganKDV is a business advisory firm that offers business planning and top-quality audio and video production in Marion and Cedar Rapids,
consulting, tax, audit and accounting, technology and wealth management Iowa. Whether you’re looking to create media for yourself, your business,
services to businesses and individuals throughout the Midwest. or any other client or purpose, Blue Sky Production has the talented team
you need.

Coldwell Banker Hedges The Freeze

5408 Blairs Forest Way NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 915 S 11th St., Marion, IA 52302
319-378-8760 | www.cbhrealty.com 319-377-1627 | www.facebook.com/themarionfreeze
The Freeze “family” is dedicated to serving top quality ice cream to the
Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty has been in the real estate business Marion community with 110% satisfaction. The experience you’ve come to
since 1887. We are nationally known, locally owned business with over expect topped with a dollop of generosity.
100 full time agents to serve you. Our pledge to you is integrity, respect
and honesty with every transaction. We have two convenient locations in
the Cedar Rapids area. We serve buyers, sellers and investors in their real
estate needs.

Neumann Monson Architects Terrace Glen Village

221 E College St, Ste. 303, Iowa City, IA 52240 3400 Alburnett Rd., Marion, IA 52302
319-338-7878 | www.neumannmonson.com 319-377-9000 | www.terraceglenvillage.com
Neumann Monson develops unique design ideas and delivers Terrace Glen Village is a senior living community dedicated to providing
comprehensive solutions for our clients through the creative synthesis service, stewardship and simplicity through the transitions of life. We
of science and art, human need, value creation, and environmental provide independent living, assisted living and both short-term rehab and
stewardship.  long-term health care.

SENIOR LIVING

The Views Senior Living of Marion Vella Yoga

720 Oakbrook Dr, Marion, IA 52302 1317 7th Ave, Ste. A, Marion, IA 52302
319-389-2799 | www.viewsseniorliving.com 319-551-9862 | www.facebook.com/vellayogamarion
The Views Senior Living of Marion will be the first locally-owned and We are a community based yoga studio based on serving ALL levels and
managed continuum of care community in Marion offering RidgeView everyBODY.
Assisted Living, OakView Skilled Nursing, and MeadowView Memory
Care under one roof. The goal is insuring continuity of care and peace
of mind for tenants and their families that all of their needs can be met
on one campus. The Views Senior Living has owned The Views of Cedar
Rapids located on F Ave. NW for the last 12 years and is well known for
providing quality care and one-of-a-kind memory care.

MarionReachHigher.org 7

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION Upcoming

Growing Young Events
Entrepreneurs in Marion
Wake Up Marion
Looking for a summer June 19-23, at Hills Bank Chamber and MEDCO are
camp experience that’s and Trust, 3204 Seventh sponsoring a $100 discount March 2, 8 – 9 a.m.
different? Future CEO Ave. in Marion. The Marion for those who register and NXT Bank
entrepreneur camp will give pay in full by the early-bird 325 Oakbrook Dr, Marion
youths in Marion and the deadline of March 22.
surrounding area a taste of MEDCO Business
what it’s like to be the boss. For camp details and to Luncheon
register, visit http://www.
Developed by the jacobsoninstitute.org/ March 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jacobson Institute for Youth marion_reg.cfm. This year’s Cedar Rapids Marriott
Entrepreneurship at the camp is sponsored by the 1200 Collins Rd NE
University of Iowa, Future Marion Chamber, MEDCO Cedar Rapids
CEO combines creativity and Hills Bank & Trust.
and business skills in a week BizMix – Rapids
of fun. Students will build Reproductions
teams, develop innovative
products, interact with local March 16, 4 – 6 p.m.
entrepreneurs and learn 6015 Huntington Ct, NE
how to pitch their ideas. Cedar Rapids
The week will be capped
off with a graduation expo, Uptown Commercial
where students will sell their Real Estate Showcase
products.
March 30, 4 – 6:30 p.m.
“There is no such thing Ramsey’s Wine Bistro
as starting too early when it 1120 7th Ave, Marion
comes to entrepreneurship,”
states Jill Ackerman, Marion Wake Up Marion
Chamber President. “This
is a great opportunity for April 6, 8 – 9 a.m.
our organization to partner Philip’s Diamond Shop
with MEDCO to foster an 1317 7th Ave, Marion
entrepreneurial spirit in our
local youth.” Ladies Day Out

The camp is for students April 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
entering 5th – 8th grades Uptown Marion
in the fall and will be held
BizMix

April 20, 4 – 6 p.m.
TBD

Wake Up Marion

May 4, 8 – 9 a.m.
ServiceMaster by Rice
915 Blairs Ferry Rd, Marion

Joint Corridor BizMix

May 18, 4 – 6 p.m.
TBD

25th Annual Marion
Arts Festival

May 20, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City Square Park

ImaginArt in the Alleys
Grand Opening

May 20, 9 a.m.

For a complete list
of Chamber and
community events,
visit www.marioncc.org.

8

Where You Live Can

Make For Better Living

Marion’s Well-Being Journey Making an Impact on the Community

For the second year in a Well-Being Index Composite 2014 Marion '14 –
row, Marion saw a rise in Purpose 61.8 2015 2016 '16
well-being, growing seven Social 58.4 64.6 66.2
percent since 2014. The Financial 59.6 62.0 62.0 +4.4
latest Gallup-Healthways Community 63.3 60.9 62.2 +3.6
Well-Being Index® shows a Physical 65.9 68.3 70.4 +2.6
citywide gain of more than 60.1 66.6 69.5 +7.1
four points in overall well- 63.8 65.2 +3.6
being and an increase in +5.1
each of the five elements of
well-being. The study was well-being, outpacing both and community well-being. their community.
conducted in the Fall of 2016 the state of Iowa and the Many of the most These are compelling
as part of the city’s efforts Nation.
surrounding Blue Zones significant results came statements that speak to the
Project®, a community-led In addition to the from the Community Well- work of Blue Zones® and the
well-being improvement community impact metrics, Being scores. When asked City of Marion departments
initiative that focuses on the Well-Being Index also “You can’t imagine living in that work to make quality
changing the environment measures the percentage of a better community than the of life a top priority. Many
around us to make healthy the population that is thriving one you live in today” 68% Marion businesses have
choices easier. in the five key elements of of adults agreed (up over 6 made significant changes to
well-being. According to the points) and “City or area is a wellness activities and plans
The city’s overall Well- Well-Being Index, Marion perfect place for you” was up offered to their employees
Being Index score rose 4.4 residents report an increase nearly nine points to 80%. through this community-
points, or seven percent, in thriving across all well- In addition, over 90% of wide initiative. You are
from 61.8 in 2014 to 66.2 being elements, with the respondents indicated they making an impact Marion,
in 2016. The city’s overall highest gains in financial always feel safe and secure in keep reaching higher!
well-being score of 66.2
is well above national and
state levels. The city also saw
improvement in each of the
five elements of well-being:
purpose, social, financial,
community and physical

MarionReachHigher.org 9

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Member Milestones

Chamber Ambassadors, along with City of Marion staff and officials, Congratulations to The Indian Creek Nature Center on the opening of
celebrated the opening of the first roundabout at 7th Avenue and 7th Street The Amazing Space, 5300 Otis Rd, Cedar Rapids. They celebrated with a
as part of the city’s Central Corridor Project. Connection Ceremony, throwing the switch to connect the solar power.

Linn-Mar High School, 3111 N 10th St, celebrated the completion Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the opening of ROARStore
of the high school renovation and addition project which included at Linn-Mar High School, a student-run enterprise that allows for
improvements to instructional areas and north and south entrances. experiential learning and entrepreneurship. 

Miles of Smiles partners: Marion Tire Co, Hy-Vee, Millhiser Smith Representatives from Scenic Development, Pivotal Health Care, City
Agency, The Salvation Army, Deery Brothers, Barron Motor Supply, and of Marion, and Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the ground breaking
Complete Automotive celebrated the presentation of a life-changing of Terrace Glen Village, 3400 Alburnett Rd., a new continuing care
vehicle to a local family in need. community in northwest Marion.

Trust Us with your Congratulations to Summit Pointe, 3505 English Glen, on 10 years in
Furnace& HVAC Needs! the Marion community!

10

Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the new location of Travel & Get Involved
Transport, 1317 7th Ave., Ste. 210. The business recently moved into the
Philips Center. with Uptown

In 2016 West Music, 1398 Twixt Town Rd., celebrated its 75th Uptown Marion is sup-
Anniversary along with a complete store remodel and grand re-opening. ported by a partnership
that involves a wide
spectrum of volunteers
and financial support-
ers. As the Uptown Mar-
ion District continues to
redevelop and prosper, the success of our or-
ganization is dependent on our supporters who
are passionate about our historic district and
want to be part of this exciting time of growth
and transformation. Be a part of the excitement
by joining one of Uptown’s four committees:
Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotions,
and Organization. To learn more visit the ‘get in-
volved’ tab at UptownMarion.com.

R

Member FDIC 3204 7th Ave, Marion • 319-377-8100
800 11th St, Marion • 319-377-6066

MarionReachHigher.org 11

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

All Eyes On Art in May

The third Saturday in May has traditionally been a day to enjoy art in Uptown Marion. This year May 20th will be a day
for extra celebration! The Marion Arts Festival will mark its 25th Anniversary and the City of Marion will host an official
opening of ImaginArt in the Alleys.

Marion Arts Festival Celebrates 25 Years, Top 25 Recognition

Celebrate twenty-five years Farmers State Bank, with 2016 1st Place Best In Show, Michael Bond
of fine art and flip flops by major sponsor support
joining friends old and new from The Gazette, Rockwell Marion Arts Festival 25th Anniversary
for the 25th annual Marion Collins, KCRG, and the
Arts Festival. City of Marion. Full event • Saturday, May 20, 2017
info can be found at www. • City Square Park
Named among the Top marionartsfestival.com. • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
25 festivals in the country • 7:30 a.m. – Half Marathon and 5K
for 2017, the nationally • www.marionartsfestival.com
recognized event features
50 visual artists, along BOYD POT T ER – 310-5490 | CHARLIE POT T ER – 533-2293
with a range of hands-on
art experiences. Festival
attendees will experience a
wide range of one-of-a-kind
objects, with the additional
opportunity of getting to
know the artists behind the
art. The “Emerging Artist”
program will present five
young talents selling their
work alongside the festival's
slate of juried exhibitors.

The festival’s popular
“Empty Bowls” sale has
engaged more than 500 area
students and raised $92,000,
for area food banks. Families
will enjoy the festival’s “Art
in the Depot” activity, as
pottery wheels spin toward
the creation of bowls to be
offered through the 2018
“Empty Bowls” sale.

The MAF’s fundraising half
marathon and 5K runs take
a flat, fast course through
Marion, inviting runners to
experience innovative race
technology features (along
with the best finish-line
party in the metro area).

Presenting sponsor of
the Marion Arts Festival is

12

Grand Opening of Uptown Welcomes
ImaginArt in the Alleys
New Program Director

You no longer need “Alley Blome” Please join us in Brooke Prouty
to imagine what the by Jake Balcom welcoming Brooke Prouty
transformation of the as Uptown Marion Main Program Director
Uptown Marion alleys will ImaginArt in Street Program Director. She Uptown Marion
look like. Over the past the Alley Grand began her position January
year the alley has slowly Opening 16, 2017, taking over for and economic development,
been renovated - burying Ashley Zierath. Ms. Prouty Prouty is excited to be
utilities and updating other • Sat., May 20, 2017 was most recently Program leading this program for
infrastructure, installing • North of 7th Avenue Manager for the Des Moines the Marion Chamber of
new concrete and brick work between 10th & 11th Downtown Chamber of Commerce, hoping to bring
and laying the foundation Streets Commerce where she built a fresh outlook and new
for the installation of nine • 9 a.m. – Ribbon and implemented programs ideas to her hometown area.
public art pieces. Cutting that fostered business-to-
business connections for
With the art installation the downtown community.
nearing completion, the City She also held positions with
of Marion is making plans the Ames Area Chamber of
to showcase the artwork and Commerce and Ames Main
new gathering space during Street Cultural District. She
the Marion Arts Festival. received her BA in event
Chamber Ambassadors will management from Iowa State
assist with an official ribbon University. With a passion
cutting at 9 a.m. The event for community engagement
will feature a performance
by PanAmerican Steel Band “Midnight Wonder” by Cecilia Lueza.
made possible through Arts
Share, a program of the
University of Iowa Office of
Outreach & Engagement. A
number of the alley artists -
from across the country - are
expected to be in attendance.

Make plans now to include
a stop in the alley as part of
your visit to the Marion Arts
Festival on May 20.

Brian Rosteck, CCIM

Broker Associate/Commercial Realtor

319-350-8450

Client focused service for your
commercial real estate needs

MarionReachHigher.org 13

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Uptown Marion Awarded $75K

Marion Street Iowa Challenge

Grant for Kuba-Kurtz Buildings

The Iowa Economic
Development Authority
(IEDA) awarded Uptown
Marion – A Main Street Iowa
District a $75,000 Main Street
Iowa Challenge Grant for
the Kuba-Kurtz Buildings.
Located at 1038 and 1048
7th Avenue, the Kuba-Kurtz
Buildings face City Square
Park and back into the
ImaginArt in the Alleys site.
The buildings will undergo
front façade enhancements
to create continuity between
both storefronts while
maintaining beautiful
historic details. The back
facade will feature an
open air patio and a glass
enclosed area that will
face the revitalized alley. A
vacant upstairs apartment
will also receive updates,
and the entire first floor Brick Alley Pub & Sports Uptown Marion to accept impact within each district
Bar. Commercial developer the award in Des Moines and they will have a direct
will undergo a complete and building owner Arnold on Tuesday, November 29, impact on each community’s
renovation to allow for Property Group, LLC downtown revitalization
the introduction of a new, joined representatives from 2016. Thirteen other Main efforts.”
Street Iowa Communities
locally owned establishment: also received Iowa Challenge The Challenge Grant
program is funded through
Grants. an appropriation from the
“Each project must Iowa Legislature. Since the
provide at least a dollar- first appropriation in 2002
for-dollar cash-match through 2015, approximately
for each of the grants,” $6.8 million in state and
explained Main Street Iowa federal funds have leveraged
State Coordinator Michael over $45 million of private
Wagler. “Overall, these reinvestment. Over the
projects will leverage four life of the program, 124
times the state’s investment projects in 47 Main Street
into bricks and mortar Iowa commercial districts
rehabilitation and technical across the state have received
services. These projects will funding.
have a significant economic

14

The Lowdown on Uptown

$1,500 1,219

Local Business Accumulative
Grants Awarded Volunteer Hours

16 $55,000

Business Starts Challenge Grant
& Expansions Awarded

$1,233,104 3
in Private
New Shopping
Investments Events Added

Save the date for these you in Uptown Marion. glass of wine, you'll be sure Development Authority, in
Uptown Marion events! Join us for a short program, to make memories as you partnership with Uptown
properties tour, and shop and dine Uptown. Marion and Main Street
Commercial Real networking event. Don’t miss The first 100 attendees will communities around the
Estate Showcase out on this exciting time of receive exclusive coupons state, to help provide local
revitalization, growth, and to participating businesses financial and technical
Thursday, March 30, prosperity. AND the first 50 people will support for business
4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. also receive a FREE gift. retention, expansion, and
The Uptown Marion real Ladies Day Out recruitment efforts within
estate market is primed Local Open 4 each Main Street district.
with opportunity! Whether Saturday, April 15, Business Competition 2015 Local & Regional
a business owner, investor 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Winner - Giving Tree
or aspiring entrepreneur, Grab your girlfriends and April Theater. 2016 Local Winner
we’re excited to share the enjoy a fun day in Uptown Open 4 Business was - Synergy Metalworks.
opportunities that await Marion! From your morning developed by Main Street
latte to your afternoon Iowa and the Iowa Economic

MarionReachHigher.org 15

1225 6th Avenue, Suite 100, Marion, Iowa 52302 PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
MARION, IA
PERMIT NO. 52


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