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April 2017 Newsletter
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Countywide Housing Study Update

For those who have been following our countywide housing study project, here is the latest news:
We received notice from Allamakee County Community Foundation that our grant request for $9500 cannot be met this year.  ACCF received more than 20 applications this grant cycle.  So, ACED is moving forward by thinking outside the box.  If Allamakee County is going to be an attractive place to live, work and play, we need housing!  ACED is working on the $9500 shortfall right now!
 
WISE Update
WISE = Workforce Innovation for a Strong Economy
 
Allamakee County Economic Development is partnering with 7 Rivers Alliance and the WISE project.  There were 8 focus groups 3 with workers, 2 with college students, 2 with high school students and a group with career services professionals this past month.  Discussions included topics such as talent preparation, recruitment and retention.  The emerging themes from these conversations were Access to Quality Childcare, Connecting Regional Transportation, and Affordable Workforce Housing.  Stay tuned for more details.

 

 
Win a birding getaway this spring!
 
Get out on the Great River Road this spring and experience some of the best birdwatching in the country along the Mississippi River! Enter the Great River Road’s Birding Bonanza Giveaway, and you could win $250 in spending money for your next birding adventure! 

Spring is a great time for birdwatching along the Mississippi, as hundreds of species of birds return from their winter homes in the Gulf of Mexico and Central and South America.

LINK: http://secure.pilchbarnet.com/mrpc/birding-bonanza- 2017

 

 
Northeast Iowa RC&D to host Historic Workshop
Preserving, Enhancing, and Promoting Northeast Iowa's Historical Treasures (A Day of Historic Workshops)

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017
8:45 am to 4 pm
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa

Join to Learn About and Discuss:
Collections Management, Organization Sustainability, Economic Development Funding Opportunities, Restoration Projects, Tourism, Photography, Genealogy, Finding & Engaging Volunteers and more...

Register online now through May 9th at: www.iowaart.org/historic-workshop/
 

Brush Up on Your Hospitality Skills

Explore best practices and targeted strategies that anyone in the hospitality world can implement immediately!

Thursday, April 27, 2017 (Just in time for Tourism Month)
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
NICC – Calmar Campus
Lunch on US!
The event is free to attendees
Registration:  Call 800.728.2256, ext. 399
  
Looking to ride share, call 563.568.2624 today!
 
NICC - April Classes
 
Microsoft Word 2013 Fast-Paced - Level 1 #54590 - April 4 and April 6
Microsoft Excel 2013 Fast-Paced - Level 1 #54591 - April 18 and April 20

Contact Ellen Brown brownel@nicc.edu  for more information.
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Internet Marketing & Strategy
NICC offered a boot camp for internet marketing and strategy in Cresco earlier this month.  Helpful?  Yes!  Overwhelming?  Yes!  Valuable?  Most definitely!  If you would like to know more about what was covered in that boot camp, please contact our office.
 
Tourism Updates
  • Photography-ACED is lacking photos, so with the help from NEITA's grant, Jamie from Countryside Orchard will be snapping photos for ACED to use in print, social media and website.
  • Radio Ads-KNEI103.5 & KQ98.3 will be running Allamakee County tourism ads in May!  Yes, you can vacation in your backyard!
  • Print Ads-American Road, AAA Living, Midwest Travel, Big River Magazine, Cresco Visitor's Guide, & Visit Bluff Country Guide.  Mounds of Fun and Catch of the Day - what you can find in Allamakee County Northeast Iowa.
  • Website-ACED added the Silos & Smokestacks tourism link, businesses are updated continuously, festivals & events have been updated
  • NEITA-Northeast Iowa Tourism Association works together by pooling funds together to invite travelers to our neck-of-the-woods.  See www.visitiowa.org.  Additionally, NEITA is boosting facebook posts via NEITA dollars.
  • EITA-Eastern Iowa Tourism updated their website:  http://www.easterniowatourism.org/.
  • Travel Iowa presented to the EITA group in March about the number of social media tools they are using to promote Iowa.  The items ACED posts on Travel Iowa automatically transfer to the EITA website.  ACED has been focusing on lodging as of late.
  • RAGBRAI committees are in full swing.  Pass through towns of Postville, Waterville and Harpers Ferry will be attending an upcoming planning meeting on April 8 in Clear Lake.  Lansing hosted a Town Hall Meeting on 2/16 with about 100 people in attendance.  Lansing is currently reviewing more than 75 tagline ideas that were submitted for their RAGBRAI event.  Waukon has kicked off a theme contest for RAGBRAI.  The ACED is busy finding portable toilets, showers, and tents for each of the communities being visited by RAGBRAI.  All communities will be submitting event listings and maps for the countywide broadsheet.  ACED will bring a countywide resolution to the County Board of Supervisors for RAGBRAI.  Our office has been working on finding more cell phone assistance and electricity for the communities.   
  • The Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center is moving along.  The paving of the lot is not too far away.  The ACED office has already started a list of all of the communication updates that will be needed once the center is open. 
  • Need a staff meeting idea - invite ACED in.  Let's brainstorm on everything Allamakee County has to offer.
  • Custom travel itineraries are available through our office.  Do you know someone traveling here?  Please have them contact ACED. 
  • Exciting stuff yet to come...Fox News 29/CBS 2 is coming in June for their Road Trippin' segment.  JayJay from Iowa Gallivant will be here to blog about RAGBRAI's overnight town and ending town.  If you already follow JayJay, you know he was just at Effigy Mounds National Monument this month.  And I forgot to mention, Great River Rumble is coming!  More than 200 canoes and kayaks will be making their way down the Root River to the Mississippi River.  The Great River Rumble group will be camping in Lansing and Harpers Ferry in early August.
BUSINESS MATTERS
 
Allamakee County is anxiously awaiting the Prairie Industries final decision on an expansion to Lansing.  The Blumenthal Building was purchased by Tumbleweed Welding last year.  Tumbleweed is utilizing 1/3 of the building for their operations.  Prairie Industries has grown from an 8 person company to more than 700 since the 90s.  Prairie Industries hosted a career fair at the end of February to test the waters so-to-speak.  More than 200 people from the surrounding area applied.  Prairie Industries would like  to start operations soon with approximately 30 employees and a plan to grow to 70 employees in 3 years.  ACED will give another update in the May newsletter.

The Waukon Public House is now doing business as Spring Avenue Pub in downtown Waukon. Check out happy hour Monday - Friday 4-6 p.m.  Spring Avenue Pub is open 7 days/week.  Go to their facebook page for upcoming entertainment.  https://www.facebook.com/Spring-Ave-Pub-228042654329390/

Kars Detailing...
New Owner: Marie Burington
204 2nd Ave. NW, Waukon IA 52172
(563) 568-1810
marieburington@gmail.com
 
Kars Detailing will make your vehicle look new again. 

Kars Detailing are more than a car wash, they offer full auto detailing: 
  • remove bugs, tar, and stains
  • treat and protect your dash
  • seals and protects leather seats from the damaging dirt and weather  
 
Events
 
Saturday, April 1
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Rabies & Disease Prevention Clinic - New Albin Fire Station
 Big Bad Musical & Cinderella - Kee High 

Sunday, April 2
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Spring Festival - St. Paul Lutheran, Postville
 Wine & Painting Party (RSVP) - Empty Nest Winery
 Big Band Musical & Cinderella - Kee High 

Monday, April 3
 Author Event: Michael Osterholm - Robey Memorial Library
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 T-Shirt Memory Quilt 2nd Class - New Albin Townhouse
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
 Waterville City Council Meeting
 Waukon City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 4
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Gun Safety Education Class for Adults - New Albin Townhouse
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library
 Microsoft Word 2013 Fast-Paced-Level 1 - NICC

Wednesday, April 5
 Colorado Youth Casserole Supper - St. John's Lutheran Waukon
 Be Your Own Makeup Artist - NICC Waukon

Thursday, April 6
 Barn Quilt Painting - New Albin Community Center
 Ecology and History of the River - Lansing Library
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
 Microsoft Word 2013 Fast-Paced-Level 1 - NICC
 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training - Robey Memorial Library, Waukon

Saturday, April 8
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Eric Palmer Benefit - Waukon Banquet Center
 King of Grace Lutheran Church's Bake sale - Quillins Food Ranch
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Presentation: Trades of Hope, Jewelry and accessories - Dolores Tillinghast Library HF
 Spring Bazaar - Kerndt Brothers Community Center

Sunday, April 9
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
  Boy Scout Omelet Breakfast - St. Patricks Church Hall, Waukon 

Monday, April 10
 Beginning Farmers Networking Event
 Beginning Gardening Workshop - Robey Memorial Library
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Harpers Ferry City Council Meeting
 New Albin City Council Meeting
 Postville City Council Meeting
 Unemployment Outreach Representative

Tuesday, April 11
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Gun Safety Education Class for Adults - New Albin Townhouse
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Wednesday, April 12
 Harpers Ferry Boosters Inc
 Allamakee Scholarship Fund Breakfast - Waukon High School, Waukon
Hair: Practice With a Pro - NICC Waukon Center 
Waukon Public Art Project Town Meeting - 
Robey Memorial Library - Waukon

Thursday, April 13
 I Found It On Pinterest project class - Robey Memorial Library
 STEM Festival
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library

Saturday, April 15
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Easter Egg Hunts-
       Waukon @ Green Valley Getaway
       Harpers Ferry 10am @ Community Center
       New Albin 10am @ New Albin Elementary School
       Lansing - none scheduled
       Postville 10am @ Lulls Park
       Waterville - no information available
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 St. Patrick School 5K Walk/Run - Waukon City Park

Sunday, April 16
 National Park Week - Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry (16th-23rd)
 Easter Breakfast - St. John's Lutheran Church, Waukon
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing

Monday, April 17
 American Legion Auxiliary - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Lansing City Council Meeting
 TAB (Teen Advisory Board) - Robey Memorial Library
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
 Waukon City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 18
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Amish Haystack Supper - Waukon Banquet Center
 Lansing Spring Cleanup
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library
 Youth Gun Safety - New Albin Town House
 RAGBRIA Town Meeting - Iron Ridge Church, Waukon
 Microsoft Excel 2013 Fast-Paced-Level 1 - NICC

Wednesday, April 19
 Meatball Supper - St. John's Lutheran Church, Waukon

Thursday, April 20
 Auxiliary Euchre Marathon - Waukon Wellness Center
 Book Sale - Robey Memorial Library
 Night Book Club: Classic - Robey Memorial Library
 Norwegian Meatball Supper - Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
 Microsoft Excel 2013 Fast-Paced-Level 1 - NICC
 Presentation on Ecological History of Effigy Mounds NM and Surrounding Area - Effigy Mounds

Saturday, April 22
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 String Art & Wine Party (RSVP) - Empty Nest Winery
 Wild Game Feed - Harpers Ferry
 National Junior Ranger Day - Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry 

Sunday, April 23
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Sip-n-Sign Party (RSVP) - Empty Nest Winery

Monday, April 24
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Cooking - Indian Fry Bread - New Albin Townhouse
 FREE COMM. MEAL in WAUKON - First Presbyterian Church
 Fresh Conversations - Waukon Wellness Center
 Money Smart Week Story Time & Activity - Robey Memorial Library
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
EACS Spring Concert (Band/Vocal 6-12 grade) - Kee High

Tuesday, April 25
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 After School with Ross - Robey Memorial Library
 Dairy Banquet – AC Fairgrounds Pavillion
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Thursday, April 27
Free Class: Pysanky Egg Decorating - Robey Memorial Library
Hospitality/Customer Service Training (Lunch & Learn) - NICC Calmar
Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
Mentor Mingle - Mulligan's Irish Grill & Pub, Waukon 

Saturday, April 29
Tropical Paradise Iowa Wine Trail Weekend - Empty Nest Winery
BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing

Sunday, April 30
Tropical Paradise Iowa Wine Trail Weekend - Empty Nest Winery
Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 

Visit http://www.allamakeecounty.com/calendar-of-events.html  for more information/details on above events.
Copyright © 2017 Allamakee County Economic Development, All rights reserved.


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