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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Carla Eysink
PDI President
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Please Participate in PDI's Future Planning
2018 Membership Survey
How does your organization's budget compare to that of similar sized groups?
How much do organization's your size spend on marketing? On salaries?
What fringe benefits do your peers receive?
How many developers have an employment contract?
These and many more answers will be available from the results of the 2018 PDI Membership Survey, but only if you participate in the survey.
Survey questions not only include those directly related to wages and benefits, but also questions the PDI Board and its committees felt should be asked regarding not only PDI activities and services in our constantly changing business of economic development.
You will have until Friday, June 8, to complete the survey. You can access the survey at - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PDIMemberSurvey2018. PLEASE, take the time now to complete your survey – the survey results are only as valid as the number of our members who complete it.
PDI has conducted a biennial membership survey since 1994, and the information obtained through those surveys provides a good means of developing trend information regarding economic development activities in Iowa. The PDI Board also uses results of the membership survey to evaluate our member activities and programs.
The membership survey is being conducted and tabulated on behalf of PDI by the University of Northern Iowa's Institute for Decision Making (IDM). Initial results of the survey will be presented at this fall's PDI Annual Conference in Iowa City in September.
Questions concerning completing the survey can be directed to Drew Conrad (319.273.6977 - andrew.conrad@uni.edu) with IDM.
Carla Eysink
PDI President
• BRE: Business Retention & Expansion Awards Presented at SMART Conference May 2 (Part 2)
The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) honored economic development organizations from Ames, Ottumwa, Iowa Lakes Corridor during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 2.
Sponsored by Blane, Canada Ltd. and Smart Solutions Group, the PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies.
PDI presented two awards in the Single Business Retention and Expansion Project Category. This award recognizes a single event or issue in which a community successfully mobilized to retain or expand an existing business. Consideration was given to the process of identifying the opportunity, collaboration with local, regional and/or state partners and the ability to respond quickly.
In the Single Project Success - Regional/Larger Community, PDI wishes to showcase the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation. The Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation became aware of the financial difficulties at the former Al Jon facility in Ottumwa in September 2016, and that bankruptcy was eminent if a buyer wasn't found quickly. Al Jon was the manufacturer of runway snow removal vehicles, each piece of equipment can cost up to $950,000. The estimated cost of the land, buildings and manufacturing rights was at least $3.5 million.
During the PDI Fall Conference in 2016 Tod Faris (former ED at Appanoose Economic Development Commission in Centerville) reached out to Sharon Stroh that Geoff and Gaylon Cowan owners at C&C Machining were interested in purchasing Al Jon. C&C had a 20-year history with Al-Jon. Their primary interest was to retain employees, be able to complete and deliver partially manufactured equipment and protect their 20-year relationship in customer service with Al-Jon equipment owners. Participants in the community response to the Al Jon opportunity were the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation, Area 15 Regional Planning Commission, Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation, the City of Ottumwa, Indian Hills Community College and MidAmerican Energy. In total, Ottumwa was able to generate $550,000 in incentives in less than 3 months (not including High Quality Jobs assistance or 260E credits for which the business was ineligible) due to the active and willing participants in preserving a now 56 year-old business with an economic impact of over $20 million in a community of 25,000 people. C&C was trying to complete orders in the Ottumwa facility. Several loans were arranged through local banking channels but due to national underwriting rules C&C had to switch banking affiliations and liquidate personal assets to acquire Al Jon before years end or lose the opportunity. OEDC approached the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation to partner with Area 15 Regional Planning Commission to become a pass through as a not for profit for a $225,000 grant, this combined with a $225,000 low interest loan from the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission, and lastly the City of Ottumwa and OEDC were each able to contribute $25,000; the latter from investment fund revenue designed for this type of project.
The Cowan's were genuinely moved by the show of faith by the community in their efforts. Since 2017 C&C has been able to multiply the impacts this deal has made on the community due to additional purchasing of assets of Al Jon Solid Waste Products Division which was also in foreclosure. This acquisition has led to additional jobs in the region, of which there are now 115 jobs between Ottumwa and Centerville.
From Ottumwa: Sharon Stroh, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation & Chris Bowers, Area 15 Regional Planning Commission; Tom Lazio, Mayor of Ottumwa; The Honorable Kim Reynolds, Governor, State of Iowa and The Honorable Adam Gregg, Lieutenant Governor, State of Iowa.
Also in the Single Project Success - Single/Smaller Community PDI congratulates the Iowa Lakes Development Corporation and the GrapeTree Medical Staffing Company in Milford.
What's a “grapetree”? A non-sequitur sprouted in the mind of a visionary entrepreneur has flowered into one of the nation's fastest growing companies, “a 24/7 healthcare staffing firm that provides healthcare professionals to hospitals and nursing homes in the Midwest when facilities have staff leave or vacation.”
Launched by Dickinson County native Tim Kinnetz in the mid-1990s, GrapeTree now employs 2,500 healthcare professionals at 1,200 facilities across the Midwest. The company ranked No. 664 on the Inc. 5000 list in 2017, with 618 percent growth in revenues of $35.5 million.
In 2017, GrapeTree announced the acquisition and planned conversion of a Milford convention center into a new corporate office. The project, which will cost an estimated $12 million, will enable the company to add up to 200 new administrative jobs.
The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, Iowa Lakes Community College and the City of Milford have been constant partners with GrapeTree throughout the company's growth. As a committed participant in the BEST of Iowa business retention program, the Corridor has interviewed GrapeTree's leadership team multiple times. These meetings enabled GrapeTree to access local economic development services, including professional development training.
GrapeTree's leaders also turned to the Corridor for real estate assistance when growth made their first and then second offices unworkable. City of Milford officials have led the complex infrastructure and incentive package associated with the convention center conversion.
Iowa Lakes Community College assisted GrapeTree Medical Staffing in utilizing the 260F Iowa Jobs Training Program to advance the skills of its workforce and also to hire student interns. GrapeTree returns the favor to local education by funding scholarships and working directly with students.
In late 2017, GrapeTree Medical Staffing recapitalized via a partnership with New MainStream Capital of New York and also welcomed in a new CEO, Steve Heeg. Work is underway on the convention center conversion. As a first step, the company donated iconic rides from the early days of Arnolds Park Amusement Park that had been displayed in the convention center back to the amusement park for the enjoyment of future generations.
Thank you for helping us recognize these outstanding organizations for their work with existing industry businesses.
Joining us from the Corridor are Kiley Miller, President & CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, Jolene Rogers, Iowa Lakes Community College; Steve Heeg, CEO of GrapeTree Medical Staffing, and Kathy Fahy, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing of GrapeTree Medical Staffing; The Honorable Kim Reynolds, Governor, State of Iowa and The Honorable Adam Gregg, Lieutenant Governor, State of Iowa.
• 2018 Best Practices Conference Huge Success (Part 2)
175 Economic developers from around the Mid America EDC region and state of Iowa gathered at the new Hilton Downtown Hotel in Des Moines Iowa on Tuesday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 3 to hear educational sessions, networking opportunities and learning from exhibitors from the economic development industry. Held in conjunction with the SMART Economic Development Conference on May 2, the three-day experience showcased some of Iowa and the regional's top talent.
Workforce Housing Panel Discussion Moderator: Eric Burmeister, Polk County Housing Trust Fund, Des Moines, IA; Tom Deimerly, Marshall Economic Development Impact Committee, Marshalltown, IA; Frank Liebl, Newton Development Corporation, Newton, IA and Glenn Lyons, Downtown Community Alliance, Des Moines, IA
Many communities throughout the U.S. struggle with “affordable” workforce housing options and convincing home builders to take a chance on new construction projects in smaller communities. This panel discussed creative solutions to addressing today's affordable housing challenges.
The Marketing Forum Panel: Creative and Effective Strategies for Small and Large EDOs Moderator: James Hoelscher, CEcD, University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making, Cedar Falls, IA; Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust, Des Moines, IA; Kelly Halsted, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, Fort Dodge, IA; Kristine Thompson, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines, IA; Aaron Brossoit, Golden Shovel Agency, Little Falls, MN
Whether internal or external, marketing is about an astute understanding of your audience and implementing tactics that motivate action. Join this fast-paced discussion between marketing professionals and experienced developers on strategies, budget conscious tips, and pitfalls for print, video, social media, web design and public relations.
Redevelopment Panel: Moderator: Matthew A. Anderson, City of Des Moines, Des Moines, IA; Chris Costa, Knapp Properties, Des Moines, IA; Kris Saddoris, Hubbell Realty Company, Des Moines, IA; Jake Christensen, Christensen Development, Des Moines, IA;
This session focused on a discussion of the resurgence of downtown Des Moines through its public & private capital investments, employment growth and residential growth. With over 40 projects, 75,000 workers and 10,000+ residents, downtown DSM is experiencing unprecedented growth rarely seen in the city's history. Participants heard from Des Moines' Assistant City Manager and private developers fueling this dynamic growth.
Prepared Communities Win Initiative: Speaker Patty Huddle, President, Columbus 2020, Columbus, OH
Patty presented how many communities prioritize time and resources on business attraction when in fact they've missed a step: preparing the community for success. A prepared community is best positioned to win when opportunities are surfaced. This session provided an overview of the Columbus Region Prepared Communities Win Initiative and outline the components of community preparedness.
PDI & Mid America EDC thank the 2018 Sponsors
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
• Final Issue Pending...
The Governor is nearing the end of the 30-day period in which she must take action on legislation passed at the end of the legislative session. PDI Legislative Chairs and lobbyists are tracking this closely and will be putting together a Final Issue of Policy Perspectives that will come out soon. In the mean time, the PDI Bill Tracker is always being updated and is available at http://www.ialobby.com/billtracker/pdi/.
STATEWIDE PRIDE
• Treasury approves Iowa 62 Opportunity Zones
Business Record Daily PM, May 22, 2018
The U.S. Treasury Department has approved the 62 Iowa Opportunity Zones proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Opportunity Zones is a new program that promotes investment in low-income areas. It uses federal tax incentives to spur development in low-income communities. In a statement, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst called the designations "a great step in the right direction" and said the areas involved "will soon see private-sector investment and economic development they have needed to get their community growing again. For more details or to apply for incentives, click here or contact OpportunityZones@iowaeda.com.
• Economic Development Board Approves Awards to Support Over $80 Million in Capital Investment, Primarily in Rural Iowa Communities
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board awarded direct financial assistance and tax benefits to eight companies for job creation and expansion projects, six of which will benefit rural Iowa communities. These awards will assist in the creation of 299 jobs and will result in over $80 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved innovation funding for three startups.
Read More >>
• Atlantic Bottling Company Receives Assistance for Walcott Expansion Project
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Atlantic Botting Company is a family owned and operated business that bottles and distributes Coca-Cola Products throughout the Midwest. This project plans to relocate the company's Rock Island, Illinois, operations to a newly constructed building in Walcott. The board awarded Atlantic Bottling Company tax benefits for this project from the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program. This $235,000 capital investment is expected to create 143 jobs, of which 106 are incented at a qualifying wage of $18.30 per hour.
Read More >>
• Dry Ice Manufacturer Set to Construct New Facility in Crawford County
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Continental Carbonic Products, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and distribution of dry ice. Its proposed project outside of Denison includes the construction of a new 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility. This project represents a $19 million capital investment and is expected to create 40 jobs incented at a qualifying hourly wage of $16.54. The company was awarded $125,000 in direct financial assistance as well as tax benefits via HQJ.
Read More >>
• Donaldson to Expand Cresco Facility
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Continental Carbonic Products, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and distribution of dry ice. Its proposed project outside of Denison includes the construction of a new 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility. This project represents a $19 million capital investment and is expected to create 40 jobs incented at a qualifying hourly wage of $16.54. The company was awarded $125,000 in direct financial assistance as well as tax benefits via HQJ.
Read More >>
• RELCO Locomotives Receives Assistance to Construct New Facility
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
RELCO Locomotives, Inc. is an expert in the locomotive leasing, rebuilding and repairing industry. The company plans to construct a new 8,400 square foot paint shop at its existing Albia location, allowing RELCO to expand production and keep up with current demand. This project represents a $1.4 million capital investment and is expected to create 12 jobs, of which six are incented at a qualifying wage of $16.23 per hour. The company was awarded tax benefits via the HQJ program.
Read More >>
• Fort Madison Manufacturer Receives Assistance for Expansion Project
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Scott's Miracle-Gro Company (SMG) manufactures, markets and sells branded products for lawn and garden care and indoor and hydroponic gardening. SMG plans to add a new 4,400 square foot building to relocate and expand existing Fort Madison operations. The board awarded SMG $91,612 in direct financial assistance and tax benefits from HQJ for this $2.6 million capital investment. The project is expected to create 41 jobs, of which 18 are incented at a qualifying hourly wage of $16.92.
Read More >>
• Source Allies, Inc. Receives Assistance to Construct New Facility
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Source Allies, Inc. is an information technology consultancy headquartered in Urbandale creating software products with customers in the energy, precision agriculture, media, healthcare and insurance markets. The company plans to expand its current workspace to allow for additional growth. This project represents a $3.8 million capital investment and is expected to create 36 jobs at or above a qualifying wage of $29.12 per hour. The company was awarded $144,000 in direct financial assistance, as well as tax benefits via the HQJ program.
Read More >>
• Tyson Fresh Meats Receives Assistance for Perry Expansion Project
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., is a supplier of premium beef and pork. The company's Perry facility plans to construct a new chilling system to improve product quality and efficiencies. By modernizing current processes, additional training will be required for existing employees. The board awarded tax benefits from HQJ for this $43.7 million capital investment.
Read More >>
• Van Meter Inc. Receives Assistance to Expand at Existing Facility
Jacque Matsen, Iowa Economic Development Authority, May 18, 2018
Van Meter Inc. distributes automation, electrical, data communication, lighting and power transmission products. The company serves the agriculture, commercial, contractor, education, food and beverage, healthcare and manufacturing industries. Van Meter Inc. plans to expand its current facility in Cedar Rapids to add shipping and receiving docks, as well as expand existing warehouse space. This project represents a $4.7 million capital investment and is expected to create 21 jobs, of which three are incented at a qualifying wage of $24.91 per hour. The company was awarded tax benefits via the HQJ program.
Read More >>
WHO'S WHO - MEMBER NEWS
• Mark Your Calendar
"The Partners, the Profession and the Process" workshop for those new to economic development or new to Iowa is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2018 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Farm Bureau Office, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa.
An interactive day is planned. You will meet with PDI veterans that will lead discussions, make introductions, and answer questions. The session will conclude by 12:00 noon. Go to PDI's Website to register. There is NO COST to attend. Deadline to register is July 6.
Questions? Contact Sandy Ehrig, Economic Development Administrator Renew Rural Iowa/ Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, sehrig@ifbf.org or Lynn Harkin, PDI Executive Director, director@pdiowa.com
• Did You Know?
Did you know...PDI has a Member to Member program - to match members with seasoned professionals in specific areas of expertise. Check it out at http://www.pdiowa.com/resources/member-to-member-resource-coach-program/
• Why I PDI
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"Being an Economic Development Professional in rural Iowa has unique challenges. Staying connected by serving on PDI's committees connects me with peers within our industry from all sizes of communities and metro markets along with ED Partners, State and Federal Legislators, site selectors and vendors. Leveraging all networking contact points delivers opportunities, discussions, referrals, education, expertise, and best practices all of which are VALUED at a very affordable price. Relationships are developed through these networking opportunities creating long term friendships. Conference topics are always timely, relevant, and delivered by professionals who are approachable and available for continued conversation during conferences or in the future after you return home.
This is 'Why I PDI!'"
Joe Steil, CEO
Lee County Economic Development Group
• Job Postings:
Community Development Director, City of Algona, Algona, IA
Executive Director, Iowa Fall Area Develo9pment Corporation, Iowa Falls, IA
Economic Development Director, City of Ackley, Ackley, IA
Executive Director, Clinton Regional Development Corporation, Clinton, IA
More Information on Jobs >>
• SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR PDI EVENTS
The Professional Developers of Iowa is a vibrant organization dedicated to improving and expanding the economic base in Iowa. Accomplishing that mission requires dozens of strong partnerships and we are grateful for all the PDI members who lend their time/money for all the PDI events. Whether you have been a valued financial partner in the past or are new to the PDI family, please consider this opportunity to expose your organization to the 320+ economic development professionals that belong to PDI.
Participate in it all! PDI's Best Practices Conference (Spring Event), Educational Events and the Fall Conference - join as a member - advertise in the newsletter and/or website - this kit covers everything. See the benefits of being a partner with PDI.
2018 Marketing Kit >>
UPCOMING EVENTS
PPP Course - The Partners, the Profession and the Process
Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 9:00 – noon
Farm Bureau Board Room
5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA
www.pdiowa.com
2018 HousingIowa Conference
September 5-7, 2018
Iowa Events Center
Des Moines, IA
Registration, Nominations & Information >>
Synchronist Users' Forum
September 12-14, 2018
Summit Executive Center
Chicago, IL
Registration & Information >>
For more information, contact Lynn Harkin, PDI Headquarters at (515) 243-4585 or Email director@pdiowa.com.
SAVE THE DATE – PDI's FALL CONFERENCE
PDI's Fall Conference
September 26-28, 2018
The Graduate (FKA The Sheraton)
Iowa City, IA
More information available June 2018
SPONSORS
PDI Thanks the 2018 Sponsors
Triple Event Sponsors
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Iowa Workforce Development
ITC Midwest
Conference Exhibitor Sponsors
Via Rail Engineering
Spring Only
Convergent Fundraising Solutions
Kossuth & Palo Alto County Economic Development Corp.
Fall Only
Russell
Conference Contributing Sponsors – Spring & Fall
DMACC Business Resources
Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO)
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
Midland Power Cooperative
Spring only
America's SBDC – Iowa
Iowa Association of Business & Industry
BRE Awards-Spring Only
Blane Canada
Smart Solutions Group
Trap Sponsors – Fall only
BerganKDV
Interstate Companies
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