TAMA COUNTY IOWA ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
SPRING 2011
CONGRATS WITH OUR 2010 PROGRESS 10 REASONS WE ARE PROUD OF TAMA COUNTY’S ECONOMY OUR ECONOMY DRIVEN BY A) Intelligence B) Communication C) Partnerships D) Innovation
INVESTMENTS IN INTELLIGENCE & COMMUNICATION COMBO
195 local individual contacts 108 local group meetings 54 one-on-one contacts with prospects 23 regional individual contacts 41 regional group meetings 66 scientific industry surveys with the major
influencers of our economy 3,000 emails responding to requests for support
INVESTMENTS IN COMMUNICATION
150 instances of information provided to regional media 20,000 website views/year; 10 blog updates on different topics each month 176 twitter followers; 121 tweets 40 Great Places signs 1,800 newsletter contacts 4 times a year 9 roundtable and follow up packets 230 international site selector packets 4,500 business magazines 13,000 pocket travel guides 250 financing resources packets 5,000 targeted direct mail pieces sensitive to industry opportunities
*numbers represent conservative estimates based on intelligence captured in 2010
As local stakeholders in our economy we have little control over natural disasters, corporate headquarters’ decisions to open and close plants, national economic forces, etc. What we do control is how we respond to these external circumstances and how we add value to the economy by investing and growing our own assets. That means recognizing what is good and building on that, and recognizing what is bad and minimizing the damage it does. And Tama County has a lot to be proud of looking back at the 2010 economy: 1. Record high entrepreneurship: 18 new businesses and 10 retained/new ownership businesses opened. These are record high numbers for Tama County. An estimated 23% of Tama County’s workforce are involved in some sort of entrepreneurial activity. Our goal is to increase that to 33% over the next few years as we recognize the economic landscape’s evolution. Turnover rate for new businesses after 5 years is currently 50%. That is lower than the national average. 2. Record high visionary nonprofit and government projects: a record high 63 nonprofit and government groups proposed ideas on how to better serve Tama County across various categories of serving the greater good. A little less than $100K was made available to help most of these groups raise $2.9M of projects. 3. New Housing Trust Fund: 48 residents of Tama County benefited from the new Housing Trust fund helping home owners, renters, landlord and developers keep Tama County a valuable place to make a real estate investment. 4. First $125K tax credits to historic property: Our first nonprofit applied for and secured tax credits on a significant property. Commercial and residential properties can also make use of this certified local government status to rehab properties now that Tama County has a Historic Preservation Commission. 5. Strengthening employment numbers: Tama County’s employment numbers have been significantly better than the national average. Even compared to the state our recovery trend is strong. Also important is our wages. Through the recession this number has been growing 17% over the past 4 years decreasing the gap compared to surrounding areas. 6. Hiring industry for Skilled Workers: Tama County was the first to break the story on the national phenomena later covered in the Wall Street Journal that the recession unemployment was not as it appeared. Local stakeholders where made aware of specific skills that were in fact in demand to adapt resources and strategies. 7. Prospecting industry: Tama County was a part of the team of state leaders successfully helping facilitate Green energy investment for the past 3 years. 8. Rebounding Taxable sales and services: have been growing for the past decade. Sales through the recession dip have already returned to $73 million where it has been 5 years ago. 9. County and most of our cities have no long term debt responsibility: during an economic downturn zero long term debt is a safe place to be, but during our growth periods, a little debt can allow us to leverage and trigger the next generation of growth. Recognizing the right opportunity and timing is imperative. 10. Expanded the group of partners working together to better our local economy: not only have we increased private partnership by 35% over the past 4 years, we also added public government partnerships when Meskwaki joined the Tama County Economic Development 28E Partnership.
WWW.TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG | PAGE 1
HOW DO WE DO SO
MUCH WITH SO LITTLE RESOURCES IN TAMA COUNTY, IOWA ?
In communities of similar populations it takes a team of 10+ professional employees and numerous departments and/ or organizations to fulfill the functions that Tama County Economic Development accomplishes with 2 professionals. Here is how we do it: KEY TO SOURCES OF INCOME County Government City/Tribal Government
Grants
Fundraising
Private Businesses
Fair Market Value for services
TAMA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION A 28E Government Authority that brings each of our 12 towns and sovereign nation together to maximize an annual investment of $1.50/resident to provide resources to address issues that make sense to tackle as a collective partnership. County invests $5.80/resident. Another 51% of funding resources come from businesses, grants, fundraising and stakeholders paying 7% 7% a fair market value for services otherwise not available. Rich mix of Budget $250,000 funding sources Contributors: 98 entities
TAMA COUNTY ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRUST A department of Tama County Economic Development with its own leadership, setting its own agenda,
A department of Tama County Economic Development with its own leadership, setting its own agenda, raising its own financial resources to bring travel dollars into the Tama County economy. Budget $12,000 Economic reach: $100 million industry 43% funded by Contributors: 93 entities Fair Market Demands
37%
100%
raises its own financial resources, to find solutions to increase perspective and exposure to small business. 100% funded by Budget $500 Business Partners Contributors: 49 entities
TAMA COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
42%
39%
TAMA COUNTY BARN QUILTS A department of Economic Development with its own leadership, setting its own agenda, raising its own financial resources to celebrate the scenic landmarks of rural Tama County. Budget $3,000 64% funded by Contributors: 24 entities Fundraising
18%
43%
64%
36%
TAMA COUNTY GREAT PLACES Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Iowa and Tama County Economic Development Commission to accomplish 5 specifically defined visionary projects over the next three years. Budget $600,000 Economic Impact $4.4 million over three years. 100% of our oversight porContributors: 119 entities tion is funded by Grants
100%
TAMA COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION A Certified Local Government with an autonomous board and agenda recognized by the US Department of Interior providing a legal avenue to pass federal resources directly to nonprofits, commercial businesses and residential prop100% erty owners with a dedication to preserve historically significant structures. Executive office is Tama County Economic Development. 100% of our oversight porBudget $500. Economic Impact: $125,000+ tion is funded by Grants Contributors: 23
TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION A 501(c)3 nonprofit subsidiary under the legal diligence standards of a Nationally Certified Community Foundation headquartered in Waterloo, but locally administered, defined, structured and lead by two representatives from each of the twelve towns of Tama County, and two county representatives. 100% of our oversight Budget $100,000 Economic Impact $2.9 million portion is funded by Grants Contributors: 21
100%
TAMA COUNTY IN REGION 6 HOUSING TRUST FUND A 501(c)3 nonprofit in partnership with Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama Counties partnering to leverage local dedication to housing solutions to secure state resources. Tama County Economic Development serves as a local advocate, communicator, general support. Administered by Region 6 Planning experts. 83% of our program is Tama County: $57,000 Regional Budget: $300,000 funded by Grants Contributors: 8
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83%
17%
Executive summaries outlining leadership groups’ philosophy, goals, current and future projects, budgets, market estimates are available online: www.tamacountyiowa.org/publications Who are we helping?
How do we know if this program is successful?
Have we seen success?
Everyone who has capacity to positively impact the Tama County Economy, and that in return ripples to overall quality of life to residents, businesses and Industry.
Increase in capital investment. Increase in fair market living wage jobs. Increase in efficiency with which capital and jobs are combined.
YES! Economic devel-
People with existing or potential ability to own their own business, youth and service providers to small businesses.
Increase in successful entrepreneurs.
YES!
301 Auto Transportation, Food Service, Entertainment, Lodging, Retail entities and current and future residents.
Increase $, time spent and diversify activities visitors and locals engage in.
YES!
Travelers, Farmers, Residents.
Increase awareness for beauty and sites on our rural landscape.
opment works with multiple bottom lines in concert with others. For a list of easier measureable progress indicators see page 1.
Yes, I want to subscribe to free news and info today. I am also interested in being a Partner by making a financial contribution to serving the county in proactive growth programs.
Record high entrepreneurial activity and interest. Retention rate above national ave.
Travel industry companies saw growth through the recession. Some posted double digit growth.
YES! 21 barn quilts have been erected.
Complete 5 significant projects Leverage designation as catalyst for generating new investment.
YES! $89K grants secured in year one
Tama County Economic Development PO Box 22 Toledo, IA 52342 info@tamacountyiowa.org
NAME
ORGANIZATION IF APPLICABLE
ADDRESS
CITY Present and future Tama County Residents. Current contractors.
Please return the completed form with your payment to:
STATE
ZIP
PHONE
EMAIL Residential, Commercial and Industrial property owners.
Nonprofits and Governments who have capacity to affect residents and businesses positively.
Affordable housing renters and home buyers, rental property owners, developers.
Increase property value (and surrounding area) and profile of historical significance for future investment.
Leverage each nonprofit and government investment dollar increasingly more intelligently.
Decrease residential property blight, safety. Increase availability of housing stock to give population an opportunity to grow.
YES! $125K tax credits has been awarded to our first recipient.
YES! $100K investment every year. Those dollars triggered local projects of $2.9M.
YES! 48 people helped in 2010 Leveraged $50K for $10K invested.
WEBSITE PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU WISH TO HAVE YOUR SITE HOSTED BY US PLATINUM PARTNER
$1,000
GOLD PARTNER
$500
SILVER PARTNER
$250
BRONZE PARTNER
$100
I WANT TO SUPPORT A SPECIFIC DEPARTMENT OR CAUSE (FURTHER)
PLEASE INDICATE OTHER SUPPORT
2009 awards custom designed and crafted by Blacksmith Boutique & McJulie Studios Dysart, Iowa
2007 awards custom designed by Dreamland Productions. Traer, Iowa
Tama County Economic Development Commission
THE EDIE AWARDS Date:
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 5:45 p.m. social time with cash bar 6:15 p.m. dinner 6:30 p.m. dessert and ceremony
Place:
Reinig Toledo Civic Center 1007 Prospect Drive Toledo, Iowa 52342
RSVP:
Please let us know by Friday Feb 25 if you would be able to attend. For the dinner portion of the event $12/plate. Dessert and ceremony are free. Contact: (641) 484-3108 or joanne@tamacountyiowa.org Nominees featured Jan & Feb in Tama Co. newspapers and interviews on KZAT 95.5FM 8:45am www.tamacountyiowa.org/edies
EDIES NOMINEES
As a Tama County leader, you are invited to attend the EDIES awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. honoring all 24 nominees (highlighted below) for their innovative economic development solutions in 2010. Full stories in Jan & Feb Tama County Newspapers and Radio Z95.5 FM. Development Financing North Tama Baseball Park: Reached out to professional sports teams with a foundation and a mission to help young talent. Iowa River Bancorp: To form a foundation of economic development diversification, acquired Pinnacle Bank and moved the Tribe’s trust account to the area.
Real Estate Development
Marketing/Attraction
Community Development
ZCBJ Lodge Hall: With ongoing restoration efforts, the only remaining lodge in Iowa still tied to its original fraternal group. Private Residence Rehabilitation: Renovated a rumored crack house and brought in a home-based business. Traer Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery: Moved a building donated by Pioneer to an authentic and historic downtown to maximize the potential of a world record collection.
Hinegardner Orchard: Uses a wide range of marketing vehicles to adapt to the ever changing landscape of agri-business Health Care Providers Network: Connects providers across county lines to serve rural health care needs optimally Tri-County Snowmobile Association: Brings snowmobilers from all over Iowa to grow the commercial capacity of Tama County
Chelsea Eagle Scout Playground Project: Local youth identified an opportunity to promote healthy active lifestyles in his community. Garwin City Newsletter: Addressed the need of better communication between the city and its residents.
Business Expansion
Workforce Development
Strategic Partnerships
Goos Implement: Expanded and adapted their product line to fit the changing market needs over three generations.
Z-Line, Ltd: Expanded trailer fleet in midst of recession and is proactive concerning new trucking regulations Rockwell Collins Telecommuters Program: Recognizes the value of a workforce that chooses to live in small rural towns. Meskwaki Financial Literacy Courses: Offered classes for trust fund members to help make informed decisions for their long-term financial health.
Gladbrook Technology Marketing Campaign: City, school, & community combined resources for electronic sign & video.
1 2 3 4
Haven One-Room School House Restoration: Received donations from past residents and in kind labor from current students.
Entrepreneurship
CnC Lumber & Supply: Community leaders cam together to reopen a local coop and realize its full potential
Vining Grocery Store: Kept a small family business open to offer residents a welcoming gathering place.
5 6 7 8
Radio Z95.5 FM: Converted the format to capitalize on the range of listeners in its trade zone and recruited professional talent to the area Fox Ridge Winery: Recognized a growing market and increased their diverse product line of alternative crops.
Young’s Golf Cars: Encourages multiple uses and offers a wide price range for a once-exclusive high-end product. Hardon’s: Kept a 50year old business in the family by working with the next generation on diversification strategies.
Dysart Computer Literacy Classes: Dev Corp, local utility, library & Hawkeye CC offered computer class to seniors.
Tama Co. Entrepreneurship Trust: Created to serve as an intellectual and innovative support network for entrepreneurs.
Please indicate below if you are planning on attending the EDIES Award Ceremony Tue. March 1, at the Reinig Toledo Center. Dinner at 6pm is $12/plate and dessert and ceremony at 6:30pm is free. RSVP to joanne@tamacountyiowa.org, 641-484-3108 or PO Box 22, Toledo, IA 52342 Name:__________________________
_____ Dinner: yes/no
Name:_________________
Dinner: yes/no
Name:__________________
Dinner: yes/no
Name:________________________
Dinner: yes/no
STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID TOLEDO, IA PERMIT NO. 22
PROSPECT DRIVE, PO BOX 22 TOLEDO, IA 52342 (641) 484-3108 INFO@TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG WWW.TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
OUR VISION FOR TAMA COUNTY, IOWA: INCREASE LEVEL OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT INCREASE NUMBER OF FAIR MARKET LIVING WAGE JOBS INCREASE EFFICIENCY AT WHICH CAPITAL & JOBS ARE COMBINED
Partners 2010 PLATINUM PARTNERS Alliant Energy Farmers Coop Telephone Co. Iowa Telecom KFJB-AM KZAT-FM Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel Pioneer Hi-Bred State Bank of Toledo Tama/Grundy Publishing
GOLD PARTNERS Covenant Medical Centers Iowa Valley Community College Tama Co. Abstract Company Tama Paper Board TIP Rural Electric Wind Capital Group A.J. & Marge Ziskovsky
SILVER PARTNERS Bohemian Mutual Insurance Consumers Energy Dysart Development Corp. Goos Implement Grundy County REC Home Federal Savings Bank Lincoln Savings Bank Miguel’s Construction Tama Co. Mutual Ins. Assoc.
BRONZE PARTNERS Anonymous Acme Printing Appraisal & Real Estate Services B & G HVAC Burk Law Office Carl Luze Real Estate Chyma’s Machine & Welding Deer Creek Health Center Designer Inn & Suites DeWitt Refrigeration Doyle’s Family Pharmacy Dysart Historical Society Eikamp Insurance Eyecare Associates Farmers Mutual Ins. Assoc. Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Garwin Comm. Revitalization Gladbrook Commercial Club Gladbrook Investment Co. Iowa Builders Supply Iowa Step & Tank Isabelle Originals & Ivy Threads
John Ernest Vineyard & Winery K & M Sanitation Kenkel Law Office King Tower Cafe Kruger Commodities L.L. Owens & Associates Ins. Manatt’s Medicap Pharmacy Mental Health Clinic of Tama Co. North Tama School District Poweshiek Water Association Sash Auction Service S & S Car Wash South Tama School District Tama-Toledo Subway Thys Chevrolet Buick Toledo Community Develop. Toledo Comm. Theatre Guild Traer Development Corp. Traer Municipal Utilities Williams Manufacturing Inc. Wolfe Clinic Eye Centers Wrage Realty
Additional partners welcomed. Forms available at: www.tamacountyiowa.org/directory
LEADERSHIP Midge Horton, Chair, Vining Marty Hardon, Vice-Chair, Tama Keith Sash, 2nd Vice-Chair, Gldbk Don Lyons, Past Chair, Dysart Roger Ochs, Chelsea Gerry Kopriva, Clutier Arlene Vondracek, Clutier Dwayne Luze, Dysart Nancy Braasch, Elberon Linn Snell, Elberon Carl Zoffka, Garwin Merle Parks, Garwin Mandy Gehring, Gladbrook Roland Fink, Lincoln Annie Stocker, Lincoln Susan Holubar, Montour Chris Bearden, Tama Pam Wood, Toledo Brian Sokol, Toledo Ellen Young, Traer Nick Podhajsky, Traer Dale Stout, Vining Adrian Pushetonequa, Meskwaki Larry C. Lasley, Meskwaki Kendall Jordan, Co. Supervisor Larry Vest, Co. Supervisor Dan Wilkens, Co. Supervisor
STAFF: Lindi Roelofse, Executive Director & Joanne Husak, Administrative Assistant