CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS Another benefit of your West Union Chamber Membership! Www.westunion.com
June 2012 FIREWORKS The annual 4th of July fireworks show will be held on Wednesday evening July 4th. The annual celebration will again be held at the West Union Rec Center beginning at 10:00 p.m. Donations are still be accepted for the show which costs $4300 to produce each year. Special thanks to local resident Marge Crandall who serves as the fundraising chairperson for the fireworks show.
HIGHWAY 52 BLUEGRASS BAND PLAYING AT 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION! Playing old style bluegrass and gospel music, sung in smooth harmonic voices with the use of acoustic string instruments, Highway 52 Bluegrass has an edgy style which is influenced by such masters as: Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, and Ricky Skaggs, as they strive to stay true to the traditional methods found in American Bluegrass and Old Style music. Once again, their 2012 festival and event schedule will be taking them across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The five-member band is a group of friends and family members who happen to be citizens of communities along US Highway 52, Calmar, IA and Preston, MN; thus the name, “Highway 52 Bluegrass Band”. Beth Anderson, rhythm guitar, is the Preston Library Director. Her husband, Dave, plays banjo, mandolin, and fiddle, and announces for a Preston radio station. He’s also a skilled sound and recording technician. Their 20-year-old daughter, Shira, plays mandolin, fiddle, and contributes beautiful vocal harmony. Gary Halverson, Calmar, plays dobro, and occasionally mandolin. He is a long-time employee of CAMCAR in Decorah, IA. Annie Rude, Calmar, plays an upright bass. She is Calmar's Pool Manager, and a Substitute Teacher. Their first CD recording, “ROAD TRIP” was released in April of 2011. Watch for the release of their new Gospel CD in the spring of 2012. Visit www.highway52bluegrass.com for the 2012 schedule and how to contact, as well as an opportunity to listen to a sampling of their music.
Inside this issue: Chamber Spotlight- Norby’s Farm Fleet Kaleidoscope Kids
If you would like to make a contribution to the show, please send a check to the Chamber of Commerce earmarked for fireworks. You may also contribute by donating your beverage cans in the collection bin located at Old Mill Redemption Center (located by Jay’s Automotive). Thanks to those community members and businesses who have already donated!
JULY 4TH EVENTS Fun Walk at Rec Center- 8:00-10:00 am Aquatic Center Carnival Highway 52 Bluegrass Band- 7:00-9:30 pm Crowning Miss West Union- 7:45-8:15 pm Food Vendors Fireworks- Dusk
Watch for more details in the JULY Newsletter and local newspapers!! Please contact the Chamber if your group or organization would be interested in being a food vendor or coordinating a game or event at the Rec Center in conjunction with the celebration.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2
Lisa Miller
President
2
Melody Patrick
Vice President
Jenni Elsbernd
Secretary/Treasurer
Playin on the Plaza
2
Green Pilot Updates
3
Brent Parker
What’s Happening in WU
3
Judd Swensen
West Union Triathlon
4
Ryan Hoey
Bill Ziegler
Executive Director
JUNE 2012
Page 2 Chamber Spotlight: Norby’s Farm Fleet
The Norby’s Farm Fleet retail chain was founded by Loren and Connie Norby. The chain opened in 1962 and is celebrating 50 years in business this year! The West Union store was opened in 1970 in the current location and has been expanded several times. There are 10 employees at the West Union location and 115 total employees. Norby’s has ten stores, nine in Iowa and one in Lebanon, KY. Loren passed away several years ago but Connie is still active in the business, as are their children, Greg Norby and Paula Norby.
In the future, Norby’s Farm Fleet hopes to expand the number of stores they have. At the West Union location, they have recently improved the entrance to allow better access for customers. They will continue to strive to provide the best customer service in the area.
Norby’s carries a wide range of products for the farm and business customer as well as products for the general household consumer. They carry hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies, automotive supplies, pet supplies, toys, paint, lawn and garden products, clothing and housewares. Norby’s offers carryout service for heavy items such as salt, feed and pet food. Norby’s has seen some changes over the 50 years they have been in business. When they opened, the farm customer was a larger part of their business. The decrease in the number of small farms and the number of animals on the farms, has resulted in a reduction of related products. Clothing has become a larger part of their business. Pet supplies are also becoming more popular. Thank you Norby’s Farm Fleet, for your Chamber membership and support!
Playin on the Plaza Main Street West Union’s Promotions Committee is kicking off a new FREE summer concert series called “Playin’ on the Plaza” beginning on July 11th. The series will provide free live musical entertainment on the new Civic Plaza located on the Court House Square every Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. A special local talent night will be held on August 1st to showcase area performers. Anyone interested in performing on the local talent night is asked to contact Amie Johansen at City Hall or Robin Bostrom at the Main Street West Union office (422-3070). Local businesses and civic organizations can serve as an event sponsor for $60. The schedule of performers is as follows: July 11
Chad Elliott
July 18
Done Doin’ Laundry
July 25
No Concert – Fayette County Fair
August 1
Local talent night
August 8
Michelle Lynn
August 15
Patsy Wellman
August 22
Kindred Minds
August 29
Fusion
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Kaleidoscope Kid’s Childcare Center (KKCC) Directorate Opportunities In April 2012, Ralph Savoy of Consult Savoy, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, conducted a Philanthropic Feasibility and Capital Campaign Planning Study to assess community interest, leadership potential, and financial support in building a new facility on land near the North Fayette High School. The Feasibility Study Report along with recommendations for a successful capital campaign have been received by the KKCC Board of Directors. The overall results of the study were positive. The Board is in the process of following up on various recommendations made by Mr. Savoy and deciding on whether to move forward with a capital campaign and building project. A final decision will be made during the June 12, 2012, board meeting. One essential recommendation from the study findings was to strengthen the leadership of Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center’s Board of Directors. The board currently consists of nine members. Current directors are either young parents of children attending KKCC or United Methodist Church representatives. Three of the board members have terms expiring December 31, 2012, thus leaving three potential vacancies to fill. We are looking for community members and/or business owners that would be interested in board membership and capital campaign leadership to assist in the potential building of a new childcare center. Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 5:15 p.m. at Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center. Please contact LeAnn Meyer, Board President, (319) 404-8555 or Mary O’Kones, KKCC Director, (563) 422-5379 if you are interested in board membership.
Page 3
JUNE 2012 GREEN PILOT UPDATE FAÇADE MASTER PLAN PROGRAM:
The City of West Union was awarded a $500,000 Façade Master Plan grant award through the Community Development Block Grant Program. This award will assist 21 downtown building owners with façade improvements to their historic buildings. Once the contract is approved by the City and returned to the state, an architect will be hired to assist building owners in the final design of planned improvements to their buildings. The project is required to be publicly bid and will be bid as one large project. Each building is also required to have environmental review work completed per HUD requirements. It is anticipated that work could begin in early fall. UNIVERSITY OF IOWA VISIT: The City of West Union hosted 25 faculty from the University of Iowa on May 18 th as part of the University of Iowa’s annual tour across Iowa to view interesting and innovative projects taking place in Iowa. The group consisted of professors from all areas including urban and regional planning, the school of journalism and mass communications to name a few. Local community leaders shared information on the project and then toured small groups around the downtown project area. GEOTHERMAL ANALYSIS UPDATE: Main Street West Union received a USDA Rural Energy grant earlier this year to allow for in-depth analysis for 24 downtown buildings that are interested in converting to the new district geothermal system. KCL Engineering was hired to evaluate each building, including researching the current heating and cooling system, evaluating current energy usage, and determining what type of system would be needed moving forward. Each building owner will receive a detailed report showing them what new geothermal equipment they will need and an estimate of anticipated costs, payback and life cycle costs. Reports are expected in be complete by the end of June. This funding will also assist the City of West Union in determining a rate structure for the new system.
NEW UTILITIES DROP BOX
MSWU GOLF TOURNAMENT
The City of West Union has put a new, permanent utilities drop box in the lobby of the First National Bank on North Vine Street. The box had previously been located on the light pole in front of the Chamber building. There is also another drop box at City Hall.
June 30th at the West Union Country Club. 3-person best shot 8 inch cup. $25 /person or $75/team, includes lunch buffet, prizes, and a day of golfing fun! To register please contact Derek Heins or the MSWU office at 422-3070. Registration materials can also be found on the West Union website under the Main Street tab!
PHOTO GALLERIES Check out pictures of the Chamber’s rooftop garden and building remodel on the West Union website www.westunion.com, under the Photo Gallery tab!
Script Money West Union Script Money makes a great gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and more! Support our local businesses by using Script Money for your gift giving! Available at the West Union Chamber of Commerce. We can even customize the design for special occasions!
Parking During Construction Downtown business owners and employees are asked to please try to leave parking on Vine Street for customers. Parking is available on the North and East sides of the courthouse square during the construction. Your assistance is appreciated!
FIREWORKS CAN COLLECTION The can collection bin for the annual fireworks celebration is located at Old Mill Redemption Center on Hwy 150 South by the car wash & Jay’s Automotive. The Chamber of Commerce is continuing to collect cans to help fund the annual fireworks celebration on July 4th. As you clean out the garage this spring, why not donate those cans to good cause? Thanks for your contribution!!
STOCK CAR RACES Races are being held every Friday night at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. All regular races are only $5 admission and ages 11 and under are free!
JUNE 2012
West Union Chamber of Commerce 101 North Vine St West Union, IA 52175 Phone: 563-422-3070 Email:
[email protected] www.westunion.com
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Follow us on Facebook and at www.westunion.com WEST UNION TRIATHLON & AQUATHON The race begins at 8:00 a.m. with a 3-mile run, which starts at the Aquatic Center and winds around the North Fayette Grass Cross-Country course. It incorporates the beautiful West Union Recreational Area Fields and trails into the course and brings you back to the transition area located in the Aquatic Center parking lot. After you run, you will either get on your bike or touch the next member of your team at the relay station. The 16-mile, challenging bike ride will take you on county blacktop and concrete roads north of West Union and loop you back to the Aquatic Center. There, you will either enter the pool, or touch the next member of your team at the relay station. The swim consists of 8 lengths of the pool, approximately 200 yards. General Registration Information $15 for Aquathlon $30 for age 9-17 year old (Individuals) $35 for age 18 and over (Individuals) $60 for teams (Male, Female, Coed, Youth) All participants will receive a participation bag with a t -shirt, and gifts from surrounding businesses and local vendors. Parents/Guardians must sign waivers. The required waivers can be viewed electronically by visiting http://getmeregistered.com/West UnionTri. Waivers will be provided on Race Day also.
T ri at hl o n S ch ed ul e Packet pick-up and race start at the West Union Aquatic Center. Saturday, June 23, 2012 6:00-7:00 p.m. Packet Pick Up Sunday, June 24, 2012 6:30-7:45 a.m. Packet Pick up, Get numbers 7:45 a.m. Pre-race meeting 8:00 a.m. Race Begins K i d s A q ua thl o n This event will be run while results are tabulated. Participants will run a 1/2 mile loop around the Aquatic Center and then swim 100 yards (4 lengths of the pool). All participants will receive a medal and t-shirt. Pre-registration is preferred.
