Tama County Iowa

2011 EDIES Story 18 of 24: Tama County Puts a Priority on Celebrating its Diverse Cultures

Tama County, Iowa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:37:48 +0000

Tama County is one of the most culturally diverse communities in the State of Iowa. 2010 Census data suggests that this diversity is getting even stronger. One of the challenges and opportunities a community like this faces is different cultures learning and respecting differences while celebrating and welcoming others on the common ground in which a diversity of approaches can benefit the greater community. In 2011 a diverse group from various walks of life started the dialogue and put five projects on the table through which new relationships and networks can be built. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT:
Over the past few months a splendidly diverse group of leaders from all over Tama County has been coming together to form the Tama County Diversity Alliance to learn and celebrate the differences of uniqueness, and to build on Tama County’s diversity as a community asset.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
The thought of a diversity festival occurred to me while reading about a similar event in Oklahoma and I began to think how diverse Tama County has become and I quickly called the Economic Development Director, Lindi Roelofse, and ran the diversity festival idea past her and asked if something like this has ever happened in the history of Tama County and what Tama County has done to recognize diversity growth or if Tama County even realizes how diverse Tama County is. It has been shown that the Tama County Economic Development Commission is an asset for networking. My tribal operations team was able to meet a wide diverse number of individuals like: Tracy Brady, Becca Chyma, Ryan Currens, Micki Ferris, Ann Graham, Victoria Hamilton, Midge Horton, Jamie Huntley, Alan Kline, Joyce Legg, Dwayne Luze, Yvonne Mallory, Kristi Martin, Kristina Martinez, Sandy McAntire, Kerri Nelson, Erica Podhajsky, Donna Sampson, Mario Sanchez, Ivy Sievers, Ruth Sjostrom, Jim Tekippe, Manuel Villagrana, Julie Vokoun, and Tony Wilson.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
The greatest challenge is identifying a time that works best for everyone. Everyone has work commitments to timing is very valuable.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
The meeting occurs in the afternoons and sometimes in the early evening to ensure everyone can meet one time or another.

ADVICE TO OTHERS:
The best advice I can give is to be flexible, secure the necessary tools, plan, and build a knowledgeable team ready to act.

WHAT IS NEXT:
Mark your calendars for the educational day celebrating diversity on May 4 and the Diversity Festival on May 5. Locations: TBD.

For more information on the Diversity Festival go to its website.

Pictured (front) Daniel Youngbear; (back row, left to right) Hans Moeller, Shirley Kubik, Ana Huerta, Evan Wilson.

2011 EDIES Story 17 of 24: Taking Care of the Heart of Vining, Tama County’s Smallest Town

Tama County, Iowa — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:19:34 +0000

The smallest community in Tama County calls itself a family. Often to follow that up with a poverty joke on how the city’s income to manage city affairs is below that of the average American household. But it is a community with heart and a sense of humor. In 2011 they had a special “heart” transplant when their “Heart of the Bohemian Alps” roadside sign needed to be replanted. And when the modest city hall needed a new roof and shelving to protect the 130 years of public records, it was Mayor Dale Stout, Council Member George Bazal, and resident Fred Vore who donated labor in conjunction with a small $1,730 grant from Tama County Community Foundation to get the job done. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT:
With a grant from the Tama County Community Foundation we were able to secure funds for material.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
City hall was in need of repair on the exterior. We thought we should also do the interior as city hall is used for various meetings. Also in renovation it was made handicap accessible.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
Finding labor to do the work.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
Once we started we just kept at it with the help of a few friends and neighbors.

ADVICE TO OTHERS:
With persistence and hard work you can overcome most obstacles. Small communities with limited funds can appreciate organizations like community foundations to complete projects such as these.

WHAT IS NEXT:
Hopefully we can make some improvements in the park.

For more information on Vining, go to their website at www.tamacountyiowa.org/vining.

Photo by Midge Horton [2011 Vining mayor Dale Stout]

2011 EDIES Story 16 of 24: Clutier Inspires Small Town Action on the Big Screen

Tama County, Iowa — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:23:08 +0000

The arts, history and storytelling serve an important purpose in telling us where we come from, the values we treasure, and how we want to move towards the future. One of the 21st century evolutions on campfire storytelling and community theatre is the community film, and Clutier, Iowa is a trail blazer in this respect. Hometown, the Movie was written specifically to feature small town living and featured real facts about Clutier’s history, the Czech heritage, language and foods. Local actors and local landmarks featured prominently throughout the film by writer-director-producer Scott Thompson of My Town Pictures. Metro media attended the red carpet world premier August 2011. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT:
The Clutier Betterment Committee and the Clutier Public Library worked together to involve the community in presenting the heritage of Clutier. The success of the movie brought out the feeling of total unity in the community of Clutier.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
In the changing of the name of the annual celebration to the Bohemian Plum Festival, our committee wanted a unique event that would feature local businesses and community residents as well as our Czech heritage.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
Our challenges to begin with were financial obligations and community involvement in auditions but culminated in the destruction that was left behind when a rare severe wind storm swept through Clutier July 11 which made it seem almost impossible to meet the premier of the movie scheduled for three weeks later.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
The Clutier Betterment Committee and Clutier Public Library partnered together to meet the financial obligations and auditions were opened to the surrounding communities. With the help of city, county, and state governments, the many, many volunteers, and community residents who worked long hours for several weeks to clean up the aftermath left behind from the storm allowed the movie to premier as scheduled to a sell-out crowd.

ADVICE TO OTHERS:
No matter how small the community, with determination and vision, your goals can be achieved.

WHAT IS NEXT:
We plan to continue to expand community involvement in preserving the heritage of Clutier with ideas that have developed because of the production of the movie, “Hometown”.

For more information about Clutier, go to its webpage at www.tamacountyiowa.org/clutier and listen to their radio interview on February 6, 2012 at 8:45 a.m. on Radio Z95.5 FM.

2011 EDIES Story 15 of 24: Dysart and Traer Chambers of Commerce Both Draw in New Outside Markets

Tama County, Iowa — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:48:02 +0000

This is the first time that two groups that should theoretically be competing against each other were nominated together because both are deploying very proactive marketing strategies to communicate the assets of Tama County outside the county with the goal of growing the economy by bringing dollars into our communities. Traer’s marketing portfolio includes programs like Traer Temptation Tuesdays and a KWWL-TV ad campaign. Dysart’s marketing portfolio includes programs like promotional booths at Home Shows in metro markets, sponsoring regional nonprofit functions as well as TV marketing campaigns. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW THE DYSART BUSINESS BUILDERS DID IT: Dysart businesses work together to market their businesses and services to a regional section of Iowa.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA: With the support of the Dysart Development Corporation the Dysart Business Builders were able to bring local business people together. As businesses developed and grew there was both a need and desire for the customer base to expand. A goal was established by the Business Builders to attract customers to our businesses and services who lived outside of Dysart.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE: Working together to develop ideas and then follow through to promote a regional recognition that Dysart businesses and services existed.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT: The Dysart Business Builders communicate with each other. They share ideas, listen and make a commitment through their actions to work together. We did not do everything at the same time. Our strategy has grown. Success certainly helps and it began with the annual Iowa Wine and Beer Tasting Fall Festival. The Soiree in the City came next and then the Chocolate Walk two years ago. Each of these events brings people from a wide area of Iowa to Dysart and they are hosted in the local business buildings. This gives hundreds of people for each event the opportunity to see what Dysart businesses and services have to offer. The Dysart Business Builders work with the Dysart Development Corporation and the H.A.T. (Hospitality and Tour) Team at local and regional promotional booths. Television advertising through KCRG and KWWL is now part of the marketing strategy. Web sites, newspapers and the Tama County Economic Development Commission play important roles in marketing businesses and services in Dysart to a large region of Iowa.

ADVICE TO OTHERS: Communication is the key along with a commitment to follow through.

WHAT IS NEXT: Expanded marketing plans are in the development stage.

HOW THE TRAER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DID IT: Traer Chamber of Commerce formed a new marketing team for businesses and the community, and explored new ideas for promoting ourselves. We were willing to try some new creative ideas, added to some established and popular promotions.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA: Our Chamber has always been an active group, but we realized the need for more promotional ideas for the business community. We got a group together and started brainstorming ideas.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE: It’s a challenge to find time to work together on developing promotions, then following through on the work involved in those promotions, and communicating with each business.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT: We do try to communicate better with each other, using email for most contacts. We are communicating with customers throughout northeast Iowa by promoting ourselves on television commercials, and also by using social media outlets to promote ourselves. We are hosting several new promotional ideas, including being open some evenings, which we had not previously done, and trying some other new ideas.

ADVICE TO OTHERS: Together you are stronger! Communicate! Share ideas, share concerns, share advertising dollars.

WHAT IS NEXT: Several new ideas have been generated for 2012, and established promotions are being revisited for improvements.

For more information about the Dysart, go to its website at www.dysartiowa.com. For more information about Traer, go to its website at www.traer.com.

Photo by Ellen Young [Russ Grimm, Dysart Business Builders, Wendy Barnes, Traer Chamber].

2011 EDIES Story 14 of 24: Meskwaki Tribe Opens the Door to Sharing Their Culture with the Outside World

Tama County, Iowa — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:52:43 +0000

For decades the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki) have kept their culture private. You could catch glimpses at the annual Pow Wow festival or a few panels on display in the lobby at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. But in 2011 the Meskwaki Museum formally opened at the Tribal Headquarters campus under the direction of historian Johnathan Buffalo and invited non-tribal members to learn more about the Meskwaki culture. It features artifacts, utensils, photographs, documents, art, bead work, and other items passed down from the Tribe through the years as well as objects donated from Tribal members and non-Indians. The Meskwaki museum is a part of the group of projects that earned Tama County an Iowa Great Places designation. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT: The mission of the museum is to educate the general public for a better understanding of the history and culture of the Meskwaki Tribe and to preserve cultural resources for the tribal community itself. In less than a year the cultural center has established a location and basic museum design of display in order to provide access to those resources.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA: Since the 1940’s the tribe has expressed a desire and need for a space to keep, care for, and share cultural resources. At last, after 70+ years that is becoming a reality.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE: The greatest challenge has been to find a suitable building that would be available and appropriate right here on the Meskwaki Settlement.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT: With much patience and faith in making a museum a reality, a building became available. Alternative museum exhibit space were previously utilized but now everything can be found under one roof, excluding the exhibit at the casino hotel area.

ADVICE TO OTHERS: Do not give up on a dream or working toward goals. With patience, dedication, and persistence they can be realized.

WHAT IS NEXT: We are going to be working on professional design, exhibitions, and events into the coming year and beyond. Expansion of a small library and our museum collections is always happening and the museum and the public who visit benefit from generous donations of books, artifacts and monetary donations given by individuals.

For more information on the Meskwaki Nation go to their website and listen to a radio interview about the museum on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 8:45 a.m. on Radio Z95.5FM.

Photo by Midge Horton [left to right: Stephanie Snow, Johnathan Buffalo]

Tama County’s American Idols: which 2011 stories inspire you?

Tama County, Iowa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:33:05 +0000

Share with us which of our 24 EDIE nominees’ stories from 2011 are your favorites. Every 2-3 days in January and February we unveil the details behind another one of the 2011 nominees. And now that we have reached the way mark the lines are open to start voting. Partners who are financially invested in Tama County Economic Development’s votes count towards our official trophy award winners in the 8 sectors through which we serve the local economy. General stakeholders’ votes are counted for fun to unveil our popular winners. Remind me again, what are the EDIES?

The 2011 trophy winners will each receive a trophy designed and crafted by a local artist using a medium that has not been featured in the past. Can you guess who is next?

We also welcome you to join us for Tama County’s annual EDIE Awards and Economic Summit Tue. February 28, 2012 at the Reinig Center. There is no cost for attending if you join us at 6:30 p.m. for desert and the ceremony. If you would like to join us for dinner beforehand at 5:45 p.m. cost is $15 per person. Either way would appreciate reservations by contacting joanne@tamacountyiowa.org or (641) 484-3108.

2011 EDIES Story 13 of 24: Tama County’s “The Other White Meat” spreads their marketing wings

Tama County, Iowa — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:59:42 +0000

It’s not really a party until the Tama County Pork Producers roll in with their pimped out trailer and crew of about 25 to grill for thousands of people. And if you have not seen them, it’s probably because you are not getting out enough. Apart from smaller hometown festivals they also appear at some big ticket events in Iowa including the World Pork Expo, Iowa Speedway, Iowa State Fair, Meskwaki Concerts, and Hawkeye athletic events to name a few. But they are also making a name at events outside the State of Iowa to battle chicken producers (a.k.a. the other white meat). In 2011 you could also find them in Florida at the Gator Bowl, at the Florida State Fair or on TV during the 175 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West Challenge. In January 2011 the Tama County Pork Producers were also awarded the 2010 Best County Educational Program Award for outstanding dedication to promotion of Pork 2011 Pork Congress. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT:
Our mission was to promote and sell more pork at In State and Out of State promotions by giving away samples of pork to potential customers. We have provided pork samples in Boston, Denver, New Orleans, Newton Speedway, Florida-Georgia football game, National Pork Expo and Fareway 4^th of July promotions and other major events held throughout the state of Iowa. We also take charge of the Pork Tent for six hours on the first day of the Iowa State Fair.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
We heard from people all over the country who didn’t know about pork burgers, chops and other pork cuts and they didn’t know how to get them.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
This was getting our foot in the door at grocery stores.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
We contacted grocery chains, event sponsors, Newton Speedway and offered to come and grill free pork samples and give out literature on pork.

ADVICE TO OTHERS:
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the normal process and make new contacts to make your goal work.

WHAT IS NEXT:
The Tama County Pork Producers will be getting more involved in promotions at the Newton Speedway and other state promotions to show our product to all potential customers in the United States.

Photo credit to Wayne’s Photography: [seated left to right]: Monica McKenna, Doris Gienger, Phillip McKenna, David Brezina, Jo Anne Sash, Sheryl Jesina; [standing left to right]: Brent Beichley, Jason Gienger, Dean McKenna, Keith Sash, Craig Kajer, Dennis Hosek, Bill Jesina, Dennis Gienger

2011 EDIES Story 12 of 24: Alliant Energy gives Tama Paper Board a check for $35.5K to save $38K per year

Tama County, Iowa — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:32:38 +0000

Driving the transition to a lower-carbon green or blue economy is not just for bleeding hearts. It’s a strategic long-term investment that involves learning about new technology evolutions to invest an extra dollar today to ultimately benefit from lower costs and sustainability in the long term. And that is exactly what Tama Paperboard did when they partnered with Alliant Energy to reduce their annual energy consumption by 542,700 KWH. During 2011 they invested a little less than $90K and should make the money back little more than a year after a $36K Alliant rebate and $38K in saved energy cost. We chatted with John Richter manager of Tama Paperboard and David Vollmar, Alliant Energy’s Key Account Manager in Tama County to explain. Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT:
Through the cooperation of Alliant Energy we were able to find energy savings of 542,700 KWH by doing a lighting retrofit of our manufacturing plant.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
We started by having Alliant Energy do a Level II Energy Audit of our facility. This audit is free of charge and allowed us to find energy savings within our plant. We then discovered that lighting was our strongest option and then brought in Energyficient Lighting Systems who did a full facility audit for lighting.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
Working with Alliant Energy and their rebate programs, we had to convince the corporate office that this was a solid plan and one in which we would be saving money and it had the quick pay back that corporate was looking for.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
It was a collaborative effort by Tama Paperboard, Energyficient Lighting and Alliant Energy that we were able to show the savings and quick payback that this project improved our working conditions and was a huge energy savings.

ADVICE TO OTHERS:
The Level II Energy Audit that Alliant Energy offers is a wonderful tool, which we used to study our energy usage and how we could make cuts and improvements which saved our bottom line.

WHAT IS NEXT:
This project was such a success we are studying our outside lighting and how we can find savings in this area.

For more information about Tama Paper Board, to go their website at www.caraustar.com. For more information about Alliant Energy, go to their website at www.alliantenergy.com.

Pictured (left to right) John Richter, Tama Paper Board, David Vollmar, Alliant Energy, Robert Malfese, Tama Paper Board

2011 EDIES Story 11 of 24: Four-Laning US Highway 30 into the heart of Tama County, Iowa

Tama County, Iowa — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:02:09 +0000

US Highway 30 is the second most traveled east-west corridor in the state, yet a significant amount of it is 2-lane making it dangerous and inefficient. Every year we hear about the fatalities and prematurely deteriorating pavement getting beat up by 2.7+ million cars, trucks and farm equipment in Tama-Toledo. And the numbers kept increasing. Then between 2008 and 2011 the portion through Tama-Toledo connecting to Meskwaki was improved and four-laned. We chatted with Edith Pfeffer (President of the Iowa Highway 30 Coalition) and Pam Wood (Past Mayor of Toledo) about how the improvements materialized Remind me – what are the EDIES.

HOW WE DID IT:
Completion of the Tama-Toledo By-Pass was the next step in completing the four-lane U.S. 30 across Iowa to the East. Congressman Boswell was the key to accomplishing the project.

HOW WE GOT THE IDEA:
The gap needed to be filled as the Iowa DOT work to four-lane US 30 across Iowa.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE:
Elected officials (local officials) who first needed to support the project and then second needed to work together to accomplish the project. They also needed to understand how this fit into the bigger picture of being a critical and central hub in a much bigger transportation network that was underdeveloped from its economic potential.

HOW WE OVERCAME IT:
Many meetings discussing the pro’s and con’s of the issues. Willingness to listen and respect all involved with coming up with the best possible solutions.

ADVICE TO OTHERS:
Be sure to involve all citizens in the community in the project. Make citizens aware in advance of changes they need to make to promote the community after the project is completed.

WHAT IS NEXT:
Completion of the project from US 218 to East of Tama. This will complete the road from Ogden to Cedar Rapids a distance of 125 miles of four-lane. Also join us for Hwy 30 Day at the Capital in Des Moines Wed. February 22, 2012.

Pictured: (left to right) Travis Mullen (City of Toledo Councilman), Nancy Burk (City of Toledo Attorney), Pam Wood (2011 Mayor of Toledo), Lance Horbach (State Representative), (Senator Chuck Grassley Liaison), Edith Pfeffer (President of Iowa Hwy 30 Coalition).

Foundation Update: Up to $93K available in county grants. Grant writing workshop, Jan. 28. Grant deadline, March15

Tama County, Iowa — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:19:58 +0000

Over the past five years the Tama County Community Foundation has invested over half a million dollars into betterment of our community, and leveraged those dollars to bring in millions more. In 2012 our Foundation will once again invest between $86,532.88 and $92,619 into nonprofits, governments and schools serving Tama County with a plan of strengthening our arts and culture, community affairs and development, education, environmental protection, health, historic preservation, and human services. Deadlines for applications are March 15, 2012. Detailed info on how to apply plus the application form will be available at our annual grant writing workshop. Click here to download it online.

ANNUAL GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
Sat. January 28, 2012
10 – 11 a.m.
Reinig Toledo Center
1007 Prospect Drive, Toledo Iowa
There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP to joanne@tamacountyiowa.org or (319) 429-5587 to confirm we have a seat and a packet saved for you.