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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAMA COUNTY IOWA

SPRING 2011

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 sensi-tive to industry opportunities

*numbers represent conservative estimates based on intelligence captured in 2010

OUR ECONOMY DRIVEN BY A) Intelligence B) Communication C) Partnerships D) Innovation

1 0 R E A S O N S W E A R E P R O U D O F T A M A C O U N T Y ’ S E C O N O M Y

CONGRATS WITH OUR 2010 PROGRESSCONGRATS WITH OUR 2010 PROGRESS

As local stakeholders in our economy we have little control over natural disasters, cor-porate 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 recog-nizing 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 activ-ity. 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 non-profit 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 se-cured 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 reces-sion 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 success-fully 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 genera-tion 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.

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HOW DO WE DO SO MUCH WITH SO LITTLE RESOURCES IN TAMA COUNTY, IOWA ?

TAMA COUNTY ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRUST A department of Tama County Economic Development with its own leadership, setting its own agenda, raises its own financial resources, to find solutions to increase perspective and exposure to small busi-ness. Budget $500 Contributors: 49 entities

TAMA COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 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 Contributors: 93 entities

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 Contributors: 24 entities

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. Contributors: 119 entities

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:

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 advo-cate, communicator, general support. Administered by Region 6 Planning experts. Tama County: $57,000 Regional Budget: $300,000 Contributors: 8

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 representa-tives from each of the twelve towns of Tama County, and two county representatives. Budget $100,000 Economic Impact $2.9 million Contributors: 21

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 prop-erty owners with a dedication to preserve historically significant structures. Executive office is Tama County Economic Development. Budget $500. Economic Impact: $125,000+ Contributors: 23

TAMA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

A 28E Government Authority that brings each of our 12 towns and sovereign nation together to maximize an annual invest-ment 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 a fair market value for services otherwise not available. Budget $250,000 Contributors: 98 entities

100% funded by Business Partners

43% funded by Fair Market Demands

Rich mix of funding sources

64% funded by Fundraising

100% of our oversight por-tion is funded by Grants

100% of our oversight por-tion is funded by Grants

KEY TO SOURCES OF INCOME County Government City/Tribal Government Grants Fundraising Private Businesses Fair Market Value for services

100% of our oversight portion is funded by Grants

83% of our program is funded by Grants

42%

37%

7%

7%

100%

39%

43%

18%

64%

36%

100%

100%

100%

83%

17%

Yes, I want to subscribe to free news and info today. I am also interested in be-ing a Partner by making a financial contribution to serving the county in pro-active growth programs.

Please return the completed form with your payment to: Tama County Economic Development PO Box 22 Toledo, IA 52342 info@tamacountyiowa.org

NAME

ORGANIZATION IF APPLICABLE

ADDRESS

CITY

PHONE

EMAIL

PLATINUM PARTNER $1,000

GOLD PARTNER $500

SILVER PARTNER $250

STATE ZIP

BRONZE PARTNER $100

WEBSITE PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU WISH TO HAVE YOUR SITE HOSTED BY US

I WANT TO SUPPORT A SPECIFIC DEPARTMENT OR CAUSE (FURTHER)

PLEASE INDICATE OTHER SUPPORT

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 in-vestment. Increase in fair market living wage jobs. Increase in efficiency with which capital and jobs are combined.

YES! Economic devel-

opment works with multiple bottom lines in concert with others. For a list of easier meas-ureable progress indi-cators see page 1.

301 Auto Transportation, Food Service, Entertain-ment, Lodging, Retail enti-ties and current and future residents.

Increase $, time spent and diversify activities visitors and locals en-gage in.

YES! Travel industry compa-nies saw growth through the recession. Some posted double digit growth.

Present and future Tama County Residents. Current contractors.

Complete 5 significant projects Leverage designation as catalyst for generating new investment.

YES! $89K grants secured in year one

Affordable housing renters and home buyers, rental property owners, develop-ers.

Decrease residential property blight, safety. Increase availability of housing stock to give population an opportu-nity to grow.

YES! 48 people helped in 2010 Leveraged $50K for $10K invested.

Nonprofits and Govern-ments who have capacity to affect residents and busi-nesses positively.

Leverage each non-profit and government investment dollar in-creasingly more intelli-gently.

YES! $100K investment every year. Those dollars triggered local projects of $2.9M.

Travelers, Farmers, Resi-dents.

Increase awareness for beauty and sites on our rural landscape.

YES! 21 barn quilts have been erected.

People with existing or potential ability to own their own business, youth and service providers to small businesses.

Increase in successful entrepreneurs.

YES! Record high entrepre-neurial activity and interest. Retention rate above national ave.

Residential, Commercial and Industrial property owners.

Increase property value (and surrounding area) and profile of historical significance for future investment.

YES! $125K tax credits has been awarded to our first recipient.

Executive summaries outlining leadership groups’ philosophy, goals, current and future projects, budgets, market estimates are

available online: www.tamacountyiowa.org/publications

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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

2009 awards custom designed and crafted by Blacksmith Boutique & McJulie Studios

Dysart, Iowa

7 8

4 3 1 2

5 6

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 develop-

ment solutions in 2010. Full stories in Jan & Feb Tama County Newspapers and Radio Z95.5 FM.

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

Entrepreneurship

CnC Lumber & Sup-

ply: Community leaders cam together to reopen a local coop and realize its full potential

Radio Z95.5 FM: Con-verted 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 alter-native crops.

Strategic Partnerships

Gladbrook Technol-

ogy Marketing Cam-

paign: City, school, & com-munity combined resources for electronic sign & video.

Dysart Computer Lit-

eracy Classes: Dev Corp, local utility, library & Hawkeye CC offered com-puter class to seniors.

Tama Co. Entrepre-

neurship Trust: Cre-ated to serve as an intellec-tual and innovative support network for entrepreneurs.

Workforce Development

Z-Line, Ltd: Expanded trailer fleet in midst of

recession and is proactive concerning new trucking regulations

Rockwell Collins

Telecommuters Pro-

gram: 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.

Business Expansion

Goos Implement: Expanded and adapted

their product line to fit the changing market needs over three generations.

Young’s Golf Cars: Encourages multiple

uses and offers a wide price range for a once-exclusive high-end product.

Hardon’s: Kept a 50-year old business in

the family by working with the next generation on di-versification strategies.

Community Development

Chelsea Eagle Scout

Playground Project: Local youth identified an opportu-nity to promote healthy ac-tive lifestyles in his commu-nity.

Garwin City Newslet-

ter: Addressed the need of better commu-

nication between the city and its residents.

Vining Grocery

Store: Kept a small family business open to offer resi-dents a welcoming gather-ing place.

Marketing/Attraction

Hinegardner Or-

chard: Uses a wide range of marketing vehicles to adapt to the ever changing land-scape of agri-business

Health Care Provid-

ers Network: Connects providers across county lines to serve rural health care needs optimally

Tri-County Snowmo-

bile Association: Brings snowmobilers from all over Iowa to grow the commercial capacity of Tama County

Real Estate Development

ZCBJ Lodge Hall: With ongoing restora-

tion efforts, the only remain-ing lodge in Iowa still tied to its original fraternal group.

Private Residence

Rehabilitation: Reno-vated 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.

Development Financing

North Tama Baseball

Park: Reached out to profes-sional sports teams with a foundation and a mission to help young talent.

Iowa River Bancorp: To form a foundation of eco-nomic development diversi-fication, acquired Pinnacle Bank and moved the Tribe’s trust account to the area.

Haven One-Room

School House Restoration: Received donations from past residents and in kind labor from current students.

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

Partners 2010

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

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

STAFF: Lindi Roelofse, Executive Director & Joanne Husak, Administrative Assistant

Additional partners welcomed. Forms available at: www.tamacountyiowa.org/directory

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

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

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED