Greater Burlington Partnership

🌟 A Huge Thank You to Alliant Energy! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that our Talent Development Program Manager, Telisha Fedele has received a scholarship from Alliant Energy to attend the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management's Midwest Institute in Madison this week. This incredible opportunity will allow Telisha to further develop her leadership skills and bring back invaluable insights to our community. Thank you, Alliant Energy, for your generous support and commitment to empowering local leaders! 🚀✨

The Greater Burlington Partnership is excited to introduce two new staff members: Crystal Jolin, the new Director of Finance, and Melissa Jones, the Interim Business Engagement Manager. Both have hit the ground running, infusing fresh energy and fitting in effortlessly. Welcome to the team, Melissa and Crystal!

🚧 Exciting Developments in Southeast Iowa! 🚧 Steven Brody had the pleasure of hosting an illuminating discussion on the All Things Greater Burlington podcast with Brian Johnson and Mike Harris from the Southeast Iowa Builders Association (SEIBA). He delved into the transformative "Build My Future" event, which is shaping the future of the workforce in our community. Key Highlights: - **Hands-On Learning for Students:** The event, targeting 7th graders, introduces students to a potential future in construction through hands-on activities, tool showcases, and insightful career information. Featuring participation from around 15 school districts, it serves as a crucial touchpoint in students' career exploration phases. - **Community and Business Engagement:** The support from various local businesses is commendable. These partnerships are paramount in nurturing young talent and boosting the local workforce, filling much-needed gaps in the trades sector. - **Future-Focused Initiatives:** The event not only engages students but also plans to improve follow-up to maintain that spark of interest. Volunteers from all backgrounds are encouraged to join, highlighting the community's commitment to supporting each child's career potential. **3 Key Takeaways:** - 📚 **Career Exploration Early On:** Events like "Build My Future" are instrumental in helping students discover career paths in trades, which they might not have considered otherwise. - 🤝 **Community Collaboration:** The power of community and business involvement is crucial in growing a skilled and enthusiastic workforce. - 💪 **Volunteer Opportunities:** There are ample opportunities for community members to get involved, from safety orientation to running activity stations, ensuring a valuable and memorable experience for every student. Listen to this episode at https://lnkd.in/gZWEUDjP or wherever you listen to podcasts. For more details on this inspiring event, visit the SEIBA website or their Facebook page. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community! 🌟 #CareerGrowth #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #BuildMyFuture #GreaterBurlington

📷Photos from the 2023-2024 Greater Burlington Leadership class graduation ceremony: A huge thank you to Jennifer and Barn on the Ridge for the use of their beautiful venue. The Greater Burlington Leadership program is is a nine-month course offering participants an in-depth look at our community. Throughout the program, classmates tour key locations like the police department, hospital, SCC, hear from community leaders, and even pet elk at the Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm. These experiences provide a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to build a thriving community. Each class also undertakes a project that benefits Greater Burlington while highlighting the leadership strengths and abilities of its members. Congratulations again to the 2023 - 2024 graduates for not only completing the program, but for raising over $13,000 for Building Bridges A Southeast Iowa Initiative and creating a new annual fundraising event, the Dodging Poverty Dodgeball Tournament. If you're interested in joining the program or nominating a classmate for the 2024-2025 class, visit https://lnkd.in/gZfZgurH

🚀 Discover the Power of Community Giving! 🌟 ✅ Join host Steven Brody on "All Things Greater Burlington" as he delves into the impactful world of community foundations with guests Michelle AbouAssaly and Chad Palmer from CFDMC. ✅ Learn how simple donations can transform into significant community support through innovative funds like the Margaret Hanson Impact Fund. ✅ Hear firsthand experiences of leveraging assets from land to stocks for philanthropy and how these contributions are fostering a brighter future for Des Moines County. ✅ Tune in to gain insights on how you can be a part of this incredible journey of giving and community building. Don’t miss out – every contribution counts! 🎧 Listen to this episode at https://lnkd.in/gZWEUDjP or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Des Moines County for awarding us a grant for $2,500 last night. The funds will go towards securing additional TRANSFR VR Headsets to be used in area schools for career exploration. These headsets give students a realistic look at what it is like to do in-demand jobs in our area like welding, mechanics, construction, and nursing. Thank you for your support and for helping us educate the future workforce of Greater Burlington.

This month's edition of The Partnership features last year's Small Business of the Year Titan Broadcasting and Digital Group. Small Business Month, celebrated every year in May, is a special tribute to honor small businesses, their courage, community efforts, and hard work. At the Greater Burlington Partnership, our goal is to help small business and startup owners begin and succeed. On the cover this month is Titan Broadcasting & Digital Group. They provide comprehensive marketing solutions to local businesses. As a locally owned multimedia company, Titan understands what works locally and combines marketing tactics to deliver a one-two punch on-air and online to drive results. This year's Small Business of the Year will be announced at the Greater Burlington Partnership Small Business Breakfast on May 14. Read this month's edition of The Partnership: https://lnkd.in/gpBhjATB

🎙️ **New Podcast Alert: All Things Greater Burlington** 🦌 Episode Title: Henry Bohlen, Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm Listen to this episode at https://lnkd.in/gZWEUDjP or wherever you listen to podcasts. In our latest episode, we sit down with Henry Bohlen, a devoted wildlife farmer from Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm, to uncover the intricate world of wildlife farming right here in Burlington. Henry shares fascinating insights on elk farming, swan restoration, and creating a sustainable ecosystem for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy. 🌟 **Key Takeaways:** - **Elk Care and Conservation Efforts**: Elk farming requires meticulous care, from dietary needs like copper for antler growth to conservation practices. Henry sheds light on the dedication it takes to maintain the health and safety of these majestic creatures for optimal growth and wellbeing. - **Education through Interaction**: The farm opens its gates to visitors for tours, offering a chance to observe, pet, and feed the elk. Not only does this provide a unique experience, but it also serves as an educational platform to understand wildlife better. - **Swan Restoration Success**: Through strategic partnerships and persistent efforts, Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm has aided in the successful reintroduction and population growth of trumpeter swans, marking a triumph for species restoration in the region. 🎧 Tune in to get a glimpse of Henry Bohlen's vast experience in wildlife farming and the harmonious balance between man-made and natural habitats. 🦆 For wildlife aficionados and those curious about rural enterprise, Henry's narrative offers valuable insights and lessons that transcend agriculture and touch upon ecological responsibility and love for the great outdoors. ▶️ Don't forget to check out our episode and learn more about the intricate bond between humans and wildlife. #AllThingsGreaterBurlington #WildlifeConservation #ElkFarming #SwanRestoration #Podcast #Burlington #Iowa #WildlifeEducation #SustainableFarming

Greater Burlington Partnership Announces President & CEO Della Schmidt Resignation Greater Burlington, Iowa: April 23, 2024 – Today the Greater Burlington Partnership Boards of Directors announced the resignation of Della Schmidt, its President and CEO. Schmidt has accepted the position as the President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, located in Mankato, Minnesota. Della Schmidt has served as President and CEO since June 2019. “On behalf of the Greater Burlington Partnership Boards, we want to thank Della for her years of service and leadership to the organization,” stated Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Melinda Bickel. “Della has been a great leader, successfully navigated the Partnership through the COVID crisis, has cultivated a great staff at the Partnership, and has introduced numerous new initiatives. She will greatly be missed.”  “It has been a privilege to lead this amazing organization. My husband and I have been very happy in Greater Burlington. I have loved working with the Partnership staff and fabulous volunteers. I have been energized by the robust Partnership initiatives and have thoroughly enjoyed calling the Greater Burlington community home for the past five years. I am starting this new chapter in my professional life solely for personal reasons – to be closer to our Minnesota family, most notably our 6-month-old granddaughter.” said Della Schmidt. Former Board Chair Tim Lundgren had this to add: “It’s been my great honor to have served alongside Della these last few years. While her and Alan’s desire to be closer to family is completely understandable, her vision and leadership will be missed in Southeast Iowa. Greater Burlington is better for having had them be part of our family here these last five years.” The Greater Burlington Partnership will immediately form a Search Committee to lead the process to identify its new CEO and President. Timing for Schmidt’s departure will be later this spring.  

🎙️ New Episode Alert: All Things Greater Burlington - The Realtor’s Compass with Deb Fowler of Century 21 Property Professionals 🏡 🔑 **Episode Title:** Deb Fowler, Century 21 Property Professionals 🗣️ **Hosts:** Steven Brody Tune in to our latest episode where we delve deep into the world of real estate with seasoned professional Deb Fowler. From her fascinating transition from human resources to becoming a brokerage co-owner, to mastering the art of realty in today's tech-driven market, Deb shares a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes that are sure to resonate with professionals across industries! 💡 **Key Takeaways:** - **Journey to Success**: Deb's unconventional path, from banking & HR to realty, highlights the adaptability and growth that a career in real estate can offer. - **Community Engagement**: Beyond buying and selling homes, learn how dedication to community service can enhance business reputation and personal fulfillment. - **Insider Perspectives**: Get insider tips on maintaining work-life balance, understanding commission structures, and setting pragmatic goals in the ever-evolving real estate landscape. Whether you're a budding real estate agent, a seasoned broker, or simply interested in the intricacies of the housing market, this episode offers something for everyone. 🔗 Don't miss out on valuable insights and the charming dialogue exclusively on 'All Things Greater Burlington'. Listen, learn, and be inspired as we uncover the markers of a successful and fulfilling career in real estate. Listen to this episode at https://lnkd.in/gZWEUDjP or wherever you listen to podcasts. For listening and contact details, head to greaterburlington.com/ATGB. #AllThingsGreaterBurlington #RealtyTalk #DebFowlerCentury21 #RealEstatePodcast #CommunityBuilding #CareerJourneys