“But, where does mo Ed Hoeg, Joyce Wiese, Larry Lasley & David Burrell share
with us
the
unique ways in which they funded development projects or brought capital investments back to the area. Even though Tama County Economic Development Commission does not own a fund at this time, our financing toolkit is hands down the primary service that launches businesses, nonprofits, or residents’ long term relationships with the Commission. Our database includes hundreds of specialty financing resources for which we can trace a reputable source, and often also a local trailblazer that successfully made use of it before to advise the next generation applicant. Contact us directly. Consultations are free and confidential.
NORTH TAMA COMMUNITY SCHOOL BASEBALL PARK PROJECT: When the North Tama School District set its goal on financing improvements to the sports program, they looked beyond usual local funding sources and reached out to professional sports teams with a foundation and a mission to help youth. Ed Hoeg explains. HOW WE DID IT: North Tama has a long history of dedication to its youth baseball and softball programs. We have always looked at how to improve those programs. OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE: Tight school budgets. Each field was in sad shape, practice areas were lacking, baseball scoreboard needed replaced, and the concession stand was in poor repair. HOW WE OVERCAME IT: We started with local support from various groups and individuals. We added large funding from the Blackhawk Co. Gaming Foundation the Minnesota Twins Fields for Kids program, and the Kansas City Royals Royalty Fields program. Locals put in hundreds of volunteer hours.
Photo credits: 1. Ed Hoeg, North Tama Baseball Park Photo by MoCo Creative Photography Division 2. Haven One-Room School House Photo by Mike Adams 3. Iowa River Bancorp Photo by Randy Aiken
ADVICE TO OTHERS: Perseverance. Find people who are interested in your cause to get it done. Get the community involved. There are several foundations that want to help fund projects like these. WHAT IS NEXT: Replacement of the concession stand/press box.
HAVEN ONE-ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE RESTORATION PROJECT: It took the past and future of Tama County to bring the Haven one-room school house back to life. A variety of foundations contributed; it was also supported by past residents who wanted to give back to the area where they grew up. Joyce Wiese explains.