YEAR INREVIEW

2016

PartnershipThe

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEOIt has been another terrific year for the Greater Burlington community and for the Partnership as an organization.

Without a doubt, the ‘Partnership’ model adopted by this community a number of years ago has returned substantial dividends. The four divisions that make up the Partnership are often segregated in other communities, which can tend to lead to turf wars, competition for investors, and scattered responsibility. That is not the case here. Although each division has its own responsibilities, all of the efforts are really focused around one thing: growing the economic base. The effort to bring these groups together around a common agenda was pure genius.

One vision. Four missions. That is the organization’s mantra. In order to drive economic growth, there must be jobs. The housing stock must meet the demands of the recruited talent. Legislation and policy must support a strong business climate. Local jurisdictions must be prudent with resources but not timid of investing in the future. The appearance of the community must showcase the pride which exists. And finally, a vibrant, growing economy must constantly fuel that growth by relentlessly importing wealth from the outside, whether through tourism or the growth of primary sector companies.

The Partnership’s organizational model allows for a cohesive strategy to support all of these concepts.

Investment flows towards optimism.Dollars are flowing into every segment of our economy. Southeastern Community College’s Building the Dreamcampaign has been a smashing success. The retail development along Agency Street and Roosevelt Avenue continues to flourish. New businesses continue to spring up in Downtown Burlington with a tremendous backdrop of lighted steeples. Optimism fuels investment, which heightens optimism again, unleashing even more investment.

There is no better endorsement of an economy than to see private dollars at work. Great River Entertainment’s decision to build even more hotel rooms is a testament to the local board’s confidence in the staying power of our economic might.

Leadership on issues of importance.This report is a summary of historical activity during 2016. It is done to celebrate the accomplishments, report on the progress of established goals, and provide some historical context for the future. However, as we close the books on 2016, we stand prepared for the upcoming year.

It is true that our communities have challenges ahead, and the solutions are not always readily available. However, this organization is routinely called upon to convene community leaders and tackle those challenges one by one.

This perpetual need for a convening body which simultaneously works to enhance the economic base is why organizations such as this one endure for generations. As the organization approaches its 100th birthday, I hope you will agree that the Greater Burlington Partnership is just as relevant today as it was in 1920.

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO

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Business Retention & Expansion Committee

In 2016, Greater Burlington was ranked by Site Selection Magazine as #1 on the Mississippi River for economic development deal flow – a ranking that comes with a trophy known as the Big Muddy Cup.

The Big Muddy Cup ranking is part of Site Selection Magazine’s annual Governor’s Cup series which ranks cities and states according to their economic activity in the prior year.

Additionally, Greater Burlington was ranked by Site Selection Magazine as the #13 Micropolitan in the nation for new project activity in the last year. It was the fourth year in a row for a high ranking, making Greater Burlington one of the top spots for economic development out of more than 530 micropolitans nationwide.

In total, Greater Burlington benefited with nearly $200 million in corporate investment, including investments by Silgan Containers building a 400,000 SF facility in Burlington and the expansion by General Electric in West Burlington.

AWARDS & RANKINGS

“Placing #1 on the purchasing power index for the second year in a row demonstrates that income

is rising faster than inflation here more than anywhere else.” - David Toyer

#1Big Muddy

Cup

#13 Top Micropolitan

#1 Purchasing

Power Index

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HIGH EXPECTATIONS

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.

Young Professionals Leadership Council

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

The Chamber of Commerce board of directors has high expectations when it comes to organizational performance. From leadership on community initiatives to advocating for pro-business policy, the relevance of the organization continues to grow.

Offered a fun evening filled with social media interaction to another sellout crowd during the annual dinner.

Over 100 students, business owners and community leaders descended on Des Moines for the annual advocacy trip.

Launched a new Leadership Conference for area Young Professionals offering personal and professional development.

Graduated another 16 future business and community leaders through Greater Burlington Leadership.

Collaborated with the Community Foundation of Des Moines County to provide local management to the philanthropic group.

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It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as the 2016 Board Chair. I am in awe of the dedicated and talented directors who served along with me and helped forge the direction of our community. Together with strong leadership, the arts, outdoor amenities, reinvestment in historic buildings, affordable living, business expansion and the lighted steeples to name a few, the Greater Burlington area is not only a destination but a place to live, work, raise a family and play!

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairperson - Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of Eastern IA and Western IL Chairperson - Elect - Aaron Baltisberger, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Past Chairperson - Laura Hubbard, CNH IndustrialTreasurer - Tim Fencl, Danville Telecom/i-connect you

Robert Boyle, C-CAT Joshua Cloke, Acuity Financial Sheila Crowner, RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists Lynn Egan, Record Securities Sue Frice, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Shauna Freitag, Young House Family Services Rick Hall, Product Development Services, LLC Jon Hart, Edward Jones

Dara Henneke, International EyeCare Center Dr. Heath Hillyard, Summer Street Animal Clinic John Jennison, Riley Paint Company Melissa Jones, Great River Health SystemsKim Korschgen, State Farm InsuranceKevin Mueller, KPI ConceptsDann Quam, Mazzio’s Italian EateryMarlis Robberts, Roberts & Kirkman, L.L.L.P.

Chris Smith, Carl A. NelsonCindy Spear, Universal Therapy GroupWood Storzum, U.S. BankRochelle Swanner, Lunning Chapel Karen Taylor, Shearer’s Foods Andrea Walz Hartman, MidWestOne BankScott Zaiser, Zaiser’s Landscaping

90.3%Members renewed

to support the Chamber of Commerce

20,213Employees represented

by 658 Chamber ofCommerce members

JOYCE VANCE, BOARD CHAIRGirl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

29High School studentsexposed to business

advocacy

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MISSION: The Economic Development division exists to add and retain jobs and grow the tax base of Des Moines County.

Grow Greater Burlington Board

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

For the fourth year in a row, Greater Burlington has again been recognized as a Top Micropolitan community. The economic development division is firing on all cylinders, and continued momentum has led to an unprecedented construction boom which is attracting national attention.

UNPRECEDENTED ACTIVITY

Certified 152 acres of industrial land at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant by the State of Iowa and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).

Secured a new 15 acre parcel for future industrial development outside of Flint Ridge Business Park.

Renewed partnerships with economic development groups in Lee, Henry and Louisa counties by signing a Reciprocal Marketing Agreement.

Completed a countywide housing needs assessment to support the area’s growing workforce.

Launched SEIowaJobs.com with The Hawk Eye to facilitate workforce attraction and showcase local opportunities.

Working with some of the area’s leaders provided me a great opportunity to experience dealing with multiple facets of the Partnership as well as gaining personal development skills. This year we were ranked the #1 Metro on the Mississippi, which is a huge milestone and ranked as the #13 U.S. Micropolitan for new project activity. There are so many great things happening and I encourage you all to get involved. It was such a pleasureable experience and I look forward to helping in the future.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairperson - Charlie L. Walsh, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust

Chairperson - Elect - Gary Hoyer, Great River EntertainmentPast Chairperson - Matt Shinn, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Treasurer - Jon Manley

Michael Ash, Southeastern Community CollegeTom Broeker, Des Moines County SupervisorDan Gifford, City of West BurlingtonJerry Krause, Farmers & Merchants Bank & TrustJim Leiting, Big River Resources

Donna Mann, Mann’s McDonaldsRon Massner, SG Construction Shane McCampbell, City of BurlingtonKen Reif, Valley DistributionMark Richardson, Great River Health Systems

Jerry Sherwood, The Sherwood Company Steve Shupp, Alliant EnergySteve Titus, Iowa Welseyan UniversityCraig Upton, KPI Concepts

$221mIn private capital

investment secured*

1.327%Estimated populationgrowth in Des Moines

County since 2010 (Source ESRI)

675New primary jobs created locally*

CHARLIE L. WALSH, BOARD CHAIRFarmers & Merchants Bank & Trust

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*Figures since 2014 measuring projects in which the Economic Development division played a key role.

MISSION: The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to marketing and promoting the Greater Burlington community as a premier destination to both leisure and business travelers.

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Wayfinding Committee

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

The local tourism industry continues to thrive as visitor expenditures topped $132 million. From recruiting conferences to funding local sporting events, the CVB’s goal is to ensure high occupancy at area hotels and enhance the overall visitor experience.

ATTRACTING VISITORS

Supported 19 local events with $25,000 in grants to attract 54,000 visitors to the area.

These 19 events alone injected an estimated $8,236,837 into the local economy.

Maintained a diversified marketing plan to repeatedly engage a targeted audience.

Fulfilled 2,529 community guide requests to all 50 states plus Washington D.C., Canada and Puerto Rico.

Launched a Friday Fest Task Force to develop new ideas for the future of the event.

As we look back on 2016, many will remember one of the strangest elections in U.S. history. I will remember Burlington was booming! • Another year where the RecPlex was full weekend after weekend, keeping hotels, restaurants and businesses as busy as ever. • A year where both new and veteran businesses and industry welcomed tens of thousands of out of town visitors for Steamboat Days, Bees games and the new “A Very Vintage Market.” Burlington is a great place to live, work and play. In 2017, I’m adding something to that sentence...Burlington is also a great place to visit.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson - K.C. Fleming, Great River Health Systems

Deb Brinkley, Happy JoesAndy Dahl, Burlington Area YMCABob Fleming, City of Burlington

Randy Kester, Burlington Trailways Tammy McCoy, Art Center of Burlington Wayne Riniker, Westland Mall

Mike Shinn, Berthel FisherKara Steward, City of West Burlington Marlena Switzer, PZAZZ! Hotels

1,303Riverboat passengers

hosted at the Port of Burlington

565Average hotel room

nights sold each nightof 767 total hotel

rooms

2,500Tickets sold for the

Memorial Auditorium & Civic Music at the Port

of Burlington

K.C. FLEMING, BOARD CHAIRGreat River Health Systems

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GROWTH10

MISSION: Downtown Partners preserves and revitalizes downtown Burlington by enhancing its economy, infrastructure, and historical and cultural features.

Downtown Partners Board

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

Downtown Burlington is rapidly fulfilling its goal of becoming a destination for those seeking a unique experience. From the enhanced facades and the improved nightlife to the record-setting event attendance, the downtown area is becoming the envy of the region.

REVITALIZING THE CORE

Beautified the skyline by launching the steeple and tower lighting phase of the Burlington Lightscape Project.

Purchased 300 Washington Street and secured grant funding to help redevelop this historic building.

Relocated the farmers market to Jefferson Street with a record number of new vendors.

Presented A Very Vintage Market, DPI’s most successful event launch ever.

Finalized the comprehensive downtown parking study to ensure supply meets ever increasing demand.

It has been a privilege to be a part of a board that is making significant transformations to downtown, including:

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairperson - Julie Anderson, Hope Haven Area Development CenterChairperson - Elect - Zach James, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning

Past Chairperson - Bill Partain, Two Rivers Bank & TrustTreasurer - Ryan Nagrocki, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Becky Anderson, Legacy PartnersLaura Beckman, Alliant EnergyJanine Clover, Small Business Development Center Todd Darnall, McConnell Lofts

Jim Davidson, Burlington City CouncilJim Ferneau, Burlington City ManagerTyler French, The WashingtonHillaurie Fritz-Bonar, Art Center of Burlington

Ryan Gerling, Cray Law FirmJerry Johnson, Burlington Capitol TheaterDoreen Roy, Gypsi and Red Screen Door Stephanie Waples, Klingner & Associates

13Properties sold in the

downtown area in 2016

175Residential units downtown,

with 59 more underconstruction

30Years for Burlington

as a Main Street organization

JULIE ANDERSON, BOARD CHAIRHope Haven Area Development Center

New facades • Additional blade signsIncreased upper story development • New businesses

Burlington Lightscape Project • DPI Endowment FundRenovations of existing, beautiful architecture

No doubt the excitement, enthusiasm, and momentum will continue in 2017.

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BY THE NUMBERSWORKFORCE DATA

Increase in Manufacturing Jobs*

20.5%

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Number of Unemployed Residents in Des Moines County1,020

Number of Unfilled Jobs in Great River Region795

Number of Employed Des Moines County Residents20,170

40,860 Estimated Population for Des Moines County

Increase in Labor Force*

4.5%Increase in

Payroll Wages*

14.1%

*Percentage change since 2011

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Growth in Retail Sales Since 2011

24.4%

Downtown Marketing & Promotions Committee

ANNUAL JOB GROWTH PROJECTIONS - MANUFACTURING

Occupational Title Growth Rate Median Wage

Construction Laborers

Welders, Operators & Tenders

Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Electricians

Machinists

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, & Brazers

Inspectors, Samplers, & Weighers

Team Assemblers

Mechanical Engineers

Production Workers

2.80%

2.60%

2.30%

2.20%

1.70%

1.20%

1.00%

0.90%

0.60%

0.50%

0.20%

$15.30

$20.62

$14.06

$21.83

$22.44

$17.03

$15.90

$16.07

$13.53

$40.89

$16.18

Source: Iowa Workforce Development

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Increase in Median Household

Income*

21%Growth in U.S.

Median HouseholdIncome*

11%Increase in Median

Home Value*

26%

$1,675,367,297 Gross Domestic Product in Des Moines County

$118,781 Median Home Value in County

1,500 New Housing Units Needed by 2025

*Percentage change since 2011

BY THE NUMBERSECONOMIC DATA

GDP 6.4%Local Growth in Gross Domestic

Product Since 2011

12%United States Growth in Gross Domestic Product Since 2011

2015 Median Household Income

in Des Moines County

$52,394

Greater Burlington Leadership Class

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PROJECT LEADS BY YEAR

Manufacturing

Data & Call CentersRetail, Office, ResidentialWarehousing & Distribution

PROJECT LEADS BY INDUSTRY

2016 = 39

2015 = 40

2014 = 57

2013 = 28

AVG = 4215

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

5 Reasons to Shop Local

If you would like additional information about the Greater Burlington Partnership, visit us online or contact us directly.

Greater Burlington Partnership 610 N. 4th Street Suite 200 Burlington, IA 52601319-752-6365 GreaterBurlington.com

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