2015 IOWA DOWNTOWN SUMMIT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS, TOURS AND NETWORKING ACTIVITIES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 5:00 pm – 6:10 pm Pre-Conference Free Tour

History Comes Alive Location: Jordan House, 2251 Fuller Rd Transportation: On your own. Parking available at the museum. Get to town early, and take advantage of this free opportunity to visit the Jordan House, former stop on the Underground Railroad and the oldest house in West Des Moines. Along with the Historic City Hall Building, located in Historic Valley Junction, The Jordan House is one of only two buildings in West Des Moines on the National Register of Historic Places. But be careful! The museum is allegedly haunted by the ghost of the young daughter of the original owner, James Jordan!

5:00pm – 7:00 pm Main Street Open 4 Business Competition Contest “Pitch” and Winners Announcement of the Entrepreneurial Contest for Main Street Iowa Communities Location: Polk County Westside Community Center, 134 6th St Think Shark Tank – Main Street style! Everyone is welcome to attend this event to see regional winners compete for this state award to provide financial and technical support for businesses that improve Main Street districts. Presenter: Debi Durham, Director, Iowa Economic Development Authority

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Pre-Conference Gathering Location: Polk County Westside Community Center, 134 6th St Join us as we kick off the Downtown Summit with a fiesta of fun and fabulous food catered by Tres Amigos. There will be live music, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015 8:00 am –10:00 am Opening Plenary Session

Location: Phenix Building Auditorium, 415 7th St Keynote Address: Dreams This session will get people dreaming bigger (for themselves and their organizations) as well as thinking better (using simple but powerful strategies) and doing more (of what most important). Master of Ceremony: Debi Durham Director, Iowa Economic Development Authority Greetings from Mayor Steven Gaer, City of West Des Moines Comments from Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds Keynote Speaker: Mitch Matthews Announcement of New Main Street Communities* *At the conclusion of the session, representatives from the New Main Street communities will meet at the front of the auditorium for photos and a brief meeting.

10:00 am – 11:00 am Exhibitors Reception Location: West Des Moines Community Center Upper Floor, 217 5th St Take time to visit the exhibit booths to gather information about resources that are available for your community. Be sure to have your “passport” stamped by the vendors to be eligible for valuable prizes while you enjoy coffee and conversation. Winners will be announced during the Closing Plenary Session on Friday afternoon.

11:00 am – 12:10 pm Concurrent Sessions So I’m on the Board…What Do I Do Now? Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit

Location: West Des Moines Business Incubator, 318 5th St The makeup and work style of the board….what could be more important for the smooth operation of your downtown organization? Come learn about board roles, committee effectiveness and how to handle that problem board member.

Presenters: Jim Engle, Director, Iowa Downtown Resource Center Debi Flanders, Organization Specialist, Main Street Iowa

To Market to Market Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St Growers, consumers and communities all recognize the benefits of Farmers Markets. Whether you decide to start your own market or improve your current one, it is essential to understand that good markets are made, not born. Join us for a basic lesson in Farmers Markets 101, where we will discuss how to plan, sponsor, promote and implement Farmers Markets.

Presenters: Andrea Evelsizer, Organizer, Clear Lake Farmers Market Paul Ovrom, Program Planner, Iowa Department of Agriculture Katie Rooney, Business Manager, Historic Valley Junction Foundation

The “P” Word Location: West Des Moines Human Services Building, 139 6th St

Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS

Parking is a hot topic in downtown districts everywhere. Do you have a parking problem or a perceived parking problem? This presentation will teach you how to organize and conduct a parking audit on a shoestring budget using local resources enabling you to answer this very question. It will help identify strategies to manage existing parking to better fit the needs of both downtown customers and employees. Presenters: Ron Gaines, Director, Community Development for the City of Cedar Falls

Carol Lilly, Executive Director, Community Main Street Dawn Wilson, Owner, Cup of Joe

Tour The Story of Valley Junction’s Upper Stories Depart from: Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th St Visit second story spaces, including the Historic City Hall’s conference room, residential spaces above the Theatrical Shop and in the Jordison Building, upper floor retail space for A-Okay Antiques, and KCL Engineering’s office. Tickets: $5.00 Transportation: Walking Guide: Jim Miller, Historic Valley Junction Foundation

12:10 pm – 1:40 pm Lunch Break Enjoy lunch on your own in Historic Valley Junction.

12:20 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch Meeting

Main Street Iowa State Updates for designated Main Street Communities

Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St

State update meeting for communities participating in the Main Street Iowa program only. One representative from each of the 51 designated communities is required to attend. Lunch is included in your $10.00 ticket price.

12:20 pm – 2:30 pm Tour Downtown Des Moines Arts & Culture Depart from: Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th St From symphony songs to Improv Theater, and from ethnic heritage festivals to street corner guitarists; arts and culture are transforming downtown. Includes guided tours of two unique attractions that are part of that artful vibe: Des Moines Social Club and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, with time for lunch on your own in the Western Gateway. Tickets: $5.00 Transportation: Motorcoach Guides: Zac Mannheimer, Des Moines Social Club Megan O’Toole, Des Moines Art Center

1:00 pm – 1:40 pm Dessert in the Exhibit Hall

Location: West Des Moines Community Center Upper Floor, 217 5th St Enjoy complimentary gourmet cakes, cookies and other tempting treats!

1:40 pm – 2:50 pm Concurrent Sessions Culinary Tourism – Unleashing the Potential Draw of Main Street Restaurants and Taverns

Location: West Des Moines Business Incubator, 318 5th St Could your community be sitting on a hidden culinary treasure? A rise in popularity of celebrity chefs and television programs spotlighting the unique taste offerings of little known restaurants across the country has opened the door for small communities looking to build or enhance their image through restaurants. Learn ways you can enhance your community’s draw as a culinary destination. Presenter: Jessica Dunker, President and CEO, Iowa Restaurant Association

Volunteer Recruitment Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St This session will be conducted “Round Table” style, allowing you to pick the brains of the experts in the field of volunteer recruitment. This is your opportunity to visit directly with the professionals on the topic, ask your questions and hear solutions from their unique perspective. Facilitators: Steven King, Director, Des Moines Arts Festival Anne Owens, Director, Volunteer Center of Ames

Darlene Strachan, Assistant State Coordinator, Main Street Iowa Joy Talmond, Director, United Way of Central Iowa

First Impressions: Signage and Storefronts Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: West Des Moines Human Services Building, 139 6th St Come learn what makes a great first impression for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic in downtown storefronts. This session will include an overview on design principles, signage tips, and storefront composition to make a brilliant and lasting impression on customers and visitors alike.

Presenters: Tim Reinders, Design Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center Katelyn Rutledge, Intern Architect, RDG

3:20 pm – 4:30 pm Concurrent Sessions Business Succession Planning Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit

Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: West Des Moines Business Incubator, 318 5th St Proper planning has increased the value of many small businesses and helps with the continuity of the transition process. Are your main street businesses ready to maximize the value of their business? Are they wanting to keep their local economy strong by keeping the businesses in town? What should the next steps be? Learn how to help prepare your businesses for the next step in their business. Presenter: Lisa Shimkat MBA, State Director, Iowa Small Business Development

Centers Everything you Ever Wanted to Know but were Afraid to Ask about Adding Alcohol to your Events Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St Representatives from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division will inform you of state laws and regulations for the serving of adult beverages in Iowa that are in place to protect the health and safety of your community. Presenters: Robert Bailey, Public Information Officer/Communications Director, Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Karen Freund, Deputy Administrator of Regulatory Affairs,

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division

A Community Facelift, Using the Downtown Revitalization Program Course is approved for 1 LU/HSW of AIA Continuing Education Credit

Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: West Des Moines Human Services Building, 139 6th St Iowa Economic Development Authority Community Development staff will discuss the role that the Downtown Revitalization Fund can play in refreshing, preserving and reinvigorating traditional downtowns in non-urban Iowa communities. The primary aspects of a good application and a successful overall program will be highlighted. Presenters: Ed Basch, Project Manager, Iowa Economic Development Authority

Ann Schmid, Historic Preservation Specialist, Iowa Economic Development Authority

Field Session Great Storefronts: What they look like in Valley Junction Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Depart from: Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th St A continuation of the First Impressions: Signage and Storefronts session, during the field session we will walk through Valley Junction and discuss two to three storefronts to point out what makes up their excellent arrangement and how to re-create it. We will compare and discuss the different storefronts and signs in the district and how the visual character helps/hinders store image and customer draw/interest. Attendance in the earlier session is highly encouraged. Tickets: $5.00 Transportation: Walking Facilitators: Tim Reinders, Iowa Downtown Resource Center

Katelyn Rutledge, RDG

4:45 pm – 5:45 pm Plenary Session Location: Phenix Building Auditorium, 415 7th St Keynote: Value of Downtown – A Profitable Community Investment Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS This session will help attendees make better decisions for their communities through the understanding of data and design, with an emphasis on how dense development will create the most revenue for taxpayers. Findings from a recent study of the Des Moines metro area will be presented, along with information on how much downtowns, no matter how neglected, often contribute far more value in terms of tax revenue — property and sales tax combined — than even the biggest big-box store. Master of Ceremony: Jim Engle, Director, Iowa Downtown Resource Center Keynote Speaker: Joe Minicozzi, Urban3

6:00 pm Evening Reception Valley Junction’s Farmers Market & Music in the Junction Join your fellow conference attendees for an evening of fellowship and festivity on this totally Tubular Thursday! The FUNction is an outdoor street fair in Historic Valley Junction. On the stage will be 80’s rock band “Burning down the House”. Vendors will provide a variety of cuisine, ranging from Italian, Asian and Greek specialties to barbeque and pizza to tickle your taste buds. No one will leave hungry or thirsty! Take this opportunity to visit the many stores along 5th and side streets. The $20.00 worth of “fun money” in your registration packet can be spent on food, beverage or shopping throughout the district. This signature event in Historic Valley Junction includes the weekly Farmers Market, with over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, arts and crafts and prepared foods. Experience firsthand what it’s like to work at a major event. Shifts are available for set up, beer/ticket sales and cleanup. For more information, contact the Historic Valley Junction Foundation at events@valleyjunction.com. Free beverages and t-shirts for volunteers!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015 7:30 am – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast/Coffee & Conversation

8:00 am – 9:00 am Plenary Session Keynote: Creating Vibrant Cultural Centers

Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: Phenix Building Auditorium, 415 7th St The journey to creating a vibrant cultural center begins with identifying existing assets and opportunities, and continues with the establishment of a shared community vision for development and execution. This session will put you on the path for creating vibrancy in your community through thoughtful, practical approaches to placemaking. Master of Ceremony: Jim Engle Keynote Speaker: Ron Drake

9:30 am – 10:40 am Concurrent Sessions The Down Low on What’s Up Downtown Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: West Des Moines Business Incubator, 318 5th St If you’re interested in downtown living you’ll want to attend this session on upper floor development in historic commercial buildings. Focusing on the funding required to bring high quality urban living and commercial properties to downtown, the Controller for JSA Development will share the lessons learned in downtown Waterloo by the developer that has worked on over 35 downtown properties since 2001. Presenter: David Deeds, Controller, JSA Development, LLC Telling your Story to Travelers: How the Iowa Tourism Office Can Help Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St Marketing is an always-evolving profession, constantly presenting new methods to reach potential customers. Keeping up with trends can become an overwhelming task, and that’s where the Iowa Tourism Office can help. Over the last few years, the office has established a team of experts with skills in a range of disciplines to capitalize on marketing trends so your place’s story can be told like never before. Learn how a partnership with the Iowa Tourism Office can help you. The session will include a live web demo, showing how to update/add information at traveliowa.com. Presenters: Shawna Lode, Manager, Iowa Tourism Office

Amy Ziegler, Digital Marketing Manager, Iowa Tourism Office

We’re all in this Together Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Location: West Des Moines Human Services Building, 139 6th St Five panelists will present a case study of a successful relationship between city government and a commercial district, exploring the evolution of Historic Valley Junction and the surrounding neighborhood which has experienced significant public and private redevelopment since the floods of 1993. Presenters: Clyde Evans AICP, Director of Community and Economic Development, City of

West Des Moines Christine Gordon AICP, Housing Planner, City of West Des Moines Naomi Hamlett AICP, Planner, City of West Des Moines Jim Miller CMSM, Executive Director, Historic Valley Junction Foundation

Kevin Trevillyan, Councilmember First Ward, City of West Des Moines

Tour

Valley Junction Places and Spaces Course is approved for 1 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Depart from: Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th St Wear comfortable shoes and come along on this walking tour showcasing the rich history and architecture of Historic Valley Junction. Tour will include stops at the West Des Moines Human Services Building, Polk County West Side Center, Phenix Center for the Arts and the West Des Moines Business Incubator. Tickets: $5.00 Transportation: Walking Guide: Jo Eckert, City of West Des Moines

11:00 am – 12:10 pm Concurrent Sessions

In Your Face (book) Location: West Des Moines Business Incubator, 318 5th St Facebook: without strategy, you can’t be social. This session includes information on how to make your social media work for you, the importance of social media applications, scheduling posts, the pros and the longer list of cons. Images speak louder than words, and videos are the loudest of all. Going viral, it’s a good thing! Presenters: Brenda Webber, Co-Founder, Red Shoe Media

Bryan Webber, Co-Founder, Red Shoe Media

Go Big or Go Home: How to Throw a Party for 2,000 People Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St In this session, you will learn the "nuts and bolts" of how to hold a major festival. There are dozens of regulations, insurance concerns, licenses to apply for, city red tape, band negotiations, vendors, sponsors, promotions and staffing issues that need to be addressed when hosting a major event. An event organizer and performer share their experiences with large events, and discuss strategies for success. Presenters: Doug Dixon, Professional Musician Bill Malone, Owner, Café Diem

Wear and Care of Historic Masonry Course is approved for 1 LU/HSW of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: West Des Moines Human Services Building, 139 6th St This presentation will provide a background on brick and stone masonry, common deterioration problems, types of preservation treatments to include maintenance, cleaning, and different methods for repair. Other content includes proper techniques for repointing mortar joints, a list of masonry Do's and Don'ts as well as many photographic examples of problems and repairs. A brief overview of NPS Preservation Brief #2 on Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings will also be provided. Presenters: Gary Keshner, Creative Sculpture and Restoration Edward Matt, Principal and Owner, GENESIS Architectural Design

Tour

Vibrant VJ Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Depart from: Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th St Placemaking isn’t just a buzzword, but a key element for every community to consider to continue to attract residents and visitors. In this field session, we use the Valley Junction district as a living laboratory on the value of identifying and leveraging cultural assets, while providing the tools needed to create a vibrancy plan for your community. Tickets: $5.00 Transportation: Walking Facilitator: Ron Drake

12:10 pm – 2:20 pm Lunch Break On Your Own in Historic Valley Junction

12:25 pm - 2:05 pm Film Screening / Lunch Urban Century: America’s Return to Main Street Location: Phenix Building Auditorium, 415 7th St After decades of decline, downtown communities all across the country are once again becoming vibrant, desirable destinations to live, work and play. Examining this current rebirth of Main Street through the lens of several towns, this film takes a refreshingly hopeful look at how these places from our past are becoming the key to our country’s future. This isn’t a story about saving Main Street, but about how Main Street just might save us. This just-released documentary film will leave you inspired and motivated to continue to do the important work you do every day in the revitalization of your downtown. Lunch is included in your $10.00 ticket price.

12:25 pm – 3:30 pm Tour Downtown Des Moines Lofts Course is approved for 3 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 2 Continuing Education Credits by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Depart from: Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th St There is an exciting trend taking place in downtown Des Moines. The synergies created by new developments and revitalization efforts are luring many residents to live in the city. As the popularity of downtown housing continues to boom, the number of projects, locations and choices are rapidly increasing. This tour will take you to visit three of those residential spaces, with time for lunch in East Village. Tickets: $5.00 Transportation: Motor coach Guide: Tim Leach, Des Moines Downtown Alliance

2:20 pm – 3:30 pm Concurrent Sessions Resources for Building Your Own Website Location: West Des Moines Business Incubator, 318 5th St Having a web presence for your business is imperative. The Lead Organizer for Iowa Tech Chicks will demonstrate resources such as Google Sites, Squarespace, Wix and WordPress for creating a basic web presence without programming experience. The advantages of each based on business needs will be discussed. Presenter: Andrea Flemming, Lead Organizer, Iowa Tech Chicks Youth – Historical, Hysterical or What? Location: West Des Moines Community Center First Floor, 217 5th St The "Youth on Main Street" program is a collaborative effort of the Le Mars Main Street Program and Historic Preservation Commission for High School Juniors to receive high school course credit by learning about Downtown Historic District. Monthly classes focus on the history and architecture of the downtown and the Main Street programs impacting the vibrancy of the district. The course includes a hands-on project of their own design. Workshop attendees will take away materials and ideas about an innovative effort to help them start their own program to help grow the next generation of downtown enthusiasts. Presenters: Becky Klohs, Adult Coordinator, Youth of Main Street

Richard Zietlow, Chair, LeMars Main Street Design Team Students from Le Mars High Schools

There’s Nothing Pure about Preservation Course is approved for 1 LU/HSW of AIA Continuing Education Credit Course is approved for 1 Continuing Education Credit by the Iowa Association of REALTORS Location: West Des Moines Human Services Building, 139 6th St Advocates are changing their approach to preservation in communities across the country. For way too long the field (institutionally and on an individual level) has been so focused on purity, significance and integrity. The National Register has been the delineating line between historic and not -- yet, that feels incomplete, that we're saying only the best in the country are truly historic. At the same time, individuals and organizations are exploring ways to be more actively involved in using real estate tools to achieve positive preservation outcomes. We have to explore new tools and strategies to achieve our goals. Presenters: Michael Allen, Architectural Historian, Preservation Research Office Erin Hanafin Berg, Preservation Support Services Manager, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm Closing Plenary Session Course is approved for 1.25 LU of AIA Continuing Education Credit Location: Phenix Building Auditorium, 415 7th St Keynote: From Rags to T-Shirts Mike will discuss the ups and downs of running a small business in downtown Des Moines over ten years, what he’s learned visiting downtowns around the Midwest and what his future plans are for the downtown in Iowa’s capital city. The presentation will be inspirational for downtown developers and enthusiasts, as well for the potential entrepreneurs in the audience who might be motivated to implement their ideas, and downtown professionals who are charged with encouraging and recruiting them. Keynote Speaker: Mike Draper, Founder and Owner, RAYGUN Three Minute Success Stories Hear about 10 projects or ideas that have been implemented successfully in the last year. These stories will be inspirational, and you will be able to take home some great ideas that can be replicated in your community!

Bloomfield Downtown Initiatives: Chris Ball

Cedar Falls Pi Day: Carol Lily

Estherville Entrepreneurial Neighborhood: Penny Clayton

Le Mars Fundraising Dinner: Mary Reynolds

Malvern Rescue and Rehab of Historic Building: Kate McGann

Manning Small Business Community of the Year: Ron Reishel / Colleen Nelson

Marion ArtPlace America: Ashley Zierath / Karen Hoyt

Mount Vernon Butt Brigade: Joe Jennison

Washington Report Card: Sarah Sadrakula

Waterloo Funky Junk-a-Loo: Jeff Kurtz Master of Ceremony: Michael Wagler Announcement of 2016 Iowa Downtown Summit Location