The blog news updates from the Washington Economic Development Group have moved to the "news" section of our new website.
http://wedg.washingtoniowa.org/news/
You can still subscribe to e-mail updates and RSS feeds into your favorite RSS reader. My updates are also still pushed to Twitter @washingtoniowa. Headlines are also pushed to FaceBook group at
My first experience with blogging was here on Blogger and it is a great platform. I'd highly recommend it. The new website was designed using SquareSpace on-line web site development tools and allows me to incorporate the blog news updates right into the web site (which is still very much a work in progress).
It is now easier for some targeted readers to use my new site since their company may have had a block on the Blogger or ".blogspot.com" domain name.
Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the new web site.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Washington County November unemployment steady at 5%
Washington County's unemployment rate held steady at 5.0% from October into November, 2010. This is the 2nd lowest unemployment rate in Eastern Iowa, behind Johnson County. The total laborforce held steady at 12,200 with 11,600 employed persons in the County.
Of the estimated 600 Washington County unemployed persons, only 168 were drawing Unemployment Insurance benefits (down from 176 in November and 215 in September). For 19 of those receiving Unemployment benefits, their last payment occurred in November, while 31 received their first Unemployment benefit payment.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
Of the estimated 600 Washington County unemployed persons, only 168 were drawing Unemployment Insurance benefits (down from 176 in November and 215 in September). For 19 of those receiving Unemployment benefits, their last payment occurred in November, while 31 received their first Unemployment benefit payment.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Federal Home Loan Bank awards 2 grants in Washington County for rehab and homeownership assistance
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines recently awarded $3.1 Million for 16 projects in Iowa through its Affordable Housing Program (AHP).
Two of the 16 projects are in Washington County. Riverside Senior Village received $110,000 for energy efficiency improvements to 28 senior affordable apartments, through FHLB partner Freedom Security Bank in Kalona. Village manager, Don Yoder prepared the FHLB application. The Village was originally financed by the USDA 35 years ago.
The second grant was $58,000 to Washington County for assisting 10 households with home ownership, including rehab assistance. This grant application was prepared by the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), through FHLB partner Federation Bank in Washington. Washington County has received FHLB AHP funding for the past several years.
In addition to these two projects in Washington County, there were an additional 5 FHLB grants in the 6-County ECICOG region. This is a remarkable achievement!
Two of the 16 projects are in Washington County. Riverside Senior Village received $110,000 for energy efficiency improvements to 28 senior affordable apartments, through FHLB partner Freedom Security Bank in Kalona. Village manager, Don Yoder prepared the FHLB application. The Village was originally financed by the USDA 35 years ago.
The second grant was $58,000 to Washington County for assisting 10 households with home ownership, including rehab assistance. This grant application was prepared by the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), through FHLB partner Federation Bank in Washington. Washington County has received FHLB AHP funding for the past several years.
In addition to these two projects in Washington County, there were an additional 5 FHLB grants in the 6-County ECICOG region. This is a remarkable achievement!
"The FHLB Des Moines Affordable Housing Program provides private funding for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of lower-income affordable housing units. Each year FHLB Des Moines commits 10 percent of its annual net income to developing affordable housing. This year, $16.3 million was awarded to 57 projects [in 5 states]."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Washington healthcare leaders meet with Rep. Dave Heaton to discuss federal legislation
On Monday, several non-profit healthcare leaders met with Rep. Dave Heaton (R-District 91) of Mt. Pleasant about recently passed federal healthcare legislation and what it means in Iowa. Rep. Heaton has served on the Iowa House - Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee for a number of years.
Rep. Heaton's comments and insights were helpful but there are still many unknowns regarding how the federal legislation will be affected by the upcoming Congress in 2011, and how the Iowa General Assembly will address upcoming milestones in the legislation.
Much uncertainly remains with few well understood costs or effects.
When the discussion turned to federal guidance on establishing new ways for communities to deliver healthcare and wellness services, Rep. Heaton noted that one successful community collaboration working toward better health and wellness is Healthy Henry County Communities. Washington County businesses, organizations and institutions have started the first steps of working toward a similar approach to wellness by forming the SAFE Coalition in 2010.
The meeting was at Wesley Halcyon House retirement community in Washington, and a delicious lunch was served by Halcyon's Applewood Bistro. The meeting was arranged by Tim Coffey of the Washington Chamber of Commerce and Ed Raber of the Washington Economic Development Group.
Rep. Heaton's comments and insights were helpful but there are still many unknowns regarding how the federal legislation will be affected by the upcoming Congress in 2011, and how the Iowa General Assembly will address upcoming milestones in the legislation.
Much uncertainly remains with few well understood costs or effects.
When the discussion turned to federal guidance on establishing new ways for communities to deliver healthcare and wellness services, Rep. Heaton noted that one successful community collaboration working toward better health and wellness is Healthy Henry County Communities. Washington County businesses, organizations and institutions have started the first steps of working toward a similar approach to wellness by forming the SAFE Coalition in 2010.
The meeting was at Wesley Halcyon House retirement community in Washington, and a delicious lunch was served by Halcyon's Applewood Bistro. The meeting was arranged by Tim Coffey of the Washington Chamber of Commerce and Ed Raber of the Washington Economic Development Group.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Washington County school leaders tour Kirkwood's Jones Regional Education Center to discuss future collaboration opportunities
School leaders from Washington, Mid-Prairie, Highland and Columbus School Districts, along with the Washington Economic Development Group, toured the innovative, new Kirkwood Community College - Jones Regional Education Center in Monticello, Iowa on Tuesday, December 7th.
Jones Center director Kristy Black and Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich gave an overview of how the $6 Million Center came to be. Monticello school officials were also present to share their experience.
The development of the Jones Regional Education Center (JREC) took almost 10 years, and ongoing dialog and collaboration between 8 area school districts and Kirkwood Community College officials. The JREC exists because - a need to create better opportunities for students, solve limitations of individual school districts, thinking outside the box, a shared willingness to collaborate and be flexible, and the will to commit for the long term.
The JREC hosts 230 high school students for part day academy classes that can earn students college credit and professional certifications. It also serves area adults for Kirkwood credit and continuing education courses.
Thanks to all the area participants for taking the time to visit the new JREC and begin a dialog in Washington County.
Jones Center director Kristy Black and Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich gave an overview of how the $6 Million Center came to be. Monticello school officials were also present to share their experience.
The development of the Jones Regional Education Center (JREC) took almost 10 years, and ongoing dialog and collaboration between 8 area school districts and Kirkwood Community College officials. The JREC exists because - a need to create better opportunities for students, solve limitations of individual school districts, thinking outside the box, a shared willingness to collaborate and be flexible, and the will to commit for the long term.
The JREC hosts 230 high school students for part day academy classes that can earn students college credit and professional certifications. It also serves area adults for Kirkwood credit and continuing education courses.
Thanks to all the area participants for taking the time to visit the new JREC and begin a dialog in Washington County.
- Mark Schneider, Superintendent at Mid-Prairie & Keota School Districts
- Chris Armstrong, Superintendent at Highland School District
- Dr. Mike Jorgensen, Superintendent at Washington Community School District
- Eric Buchholz, Washington High School Principal
- Eric Turner, Washington School Board President
- Tara Paul, Curriculum Director at Columbus Community School District
- Nancy Rash, Kirkwood Washington Center Director
- Ed Raber, Dir. of Washington Economic Development Group
Monday, December 6, 2010
5 Washington Commercial Expansion/Relocation Projects under construction
Five important commercial expansion or relocation projects in Washington are moving toward completion in 2011. These will add significantly to the Washington tax base and help these businesses to grow.
Mercy Family Practice of Washington - Part of Mercy Iowa City, this 17,000 s.f., $4 Million medical facility is scheduled for completion in late 2011 on South Iowa Ave. The trusses being installed in the picture below were manufactured by Engineered Building Design, LLC in Washington. The facility will be heated and cooled with a geothermal system. The medical clinic is vacating about 8,000 s.f. of space in the Washington County Hospitals and Clinics facility a few blocks away.
Pizza Ranch -Washington Pizza Ranch is building a new 5,200 s.f. restaurant on Washington's east side on Wiley St., near the new Wal-Mart superstore. Dalhaze Development of Washington is the general contractor. Engineered Building Design, LLC supplied the wall panels for quick erection, as well as the roof trusses. The restaurant is scheduled to open in Spring 2011. The project is financed by MidWestOne bank and an SBA 504 loan from Iowa Business Growth Company. The restaurant is relocating from rented space on West Madison St.
Pierce Auto Body - Randy Pierce is building a new 6,500 s.f. auto body repair facility on East Washington St., next to Capper Auto. The facility was financed through West Chester Savings Bank in Washington and a SBA 504 loan through Iowa Business Growth Company. Ossman Construction is the general contractor, and HVAC is supplied by Armstrong Heating and Air, all of Washington. This is a relocation for the business from smaller facilities a few block to the west on Hwy 92.
Drahota Woodworking - Andy Drahota, owner of Drahota Woodworking purchased the last lot in the Washington Industrial Park in August and is now building a 2,400 s.f. workshop on part of the 1/2 acre lot. Tad Ross of Maple Grove Construction is the general contractor. The workshop should be completed in Spring 2011. Drahota is moving out of rented space that is under new ownership.
Mercy Family Practice of Washington - Part of Mercy Iowa City, this 17,000 s.f., $4 Million medical facility is scheduled for completion in late 2011 on South Iowa Ave. The trusses being installed in the picture below were manufactured by Engineered Building Design, LLC in Washington. The facility will be heated and cooled with a geothermal system. The medical clinic is vacating about 8,000 s.f. of space in the Washington County Hospitals and Clinics facility a few blocks away.
Pizza Ranch -Washington Pizza Ranch is building a new 5,200 s.f. restaurant on Washington's east side on Wiley St., near the new Wal-Mart superstore. Dalhaze Development of Washington is the general contractor. Engineered Building Design, LLC supplied the wall panels for quick erection, as well as the roof trusses. The restaurant is scheduled to open in Spring 2011. The project is financed by MidWestOne bank and an SBA 504 loan from Iowa Business Growth Company. The restaurant is relocating from rented space on West Madison St.
Pierce Auto Body - Randy Pierce is building a new 6,500 s.f. auto body repair facility on East Washington St., next to Capper Auto. The facility was financed through West Chester Savings Bank in Washington and a SBA 504 loan through Iowa Business Growth Company. Ossman Construction is the general contractor, and HVAC is supplied by Armstrong Heating and Air, all of Washington. This is a relocation for the business from smaller facilities a few block to the west on Hwy 92.
Drahota Woodworking - Andy Drahota, owner of Drahota Woodworking purchased the last lot in the Washington Industrial Park in August and is now building a 2,400 s.f. workshop on part of the 1/2 acre lot. Tad Ross of Maple Grove Construction is the general contractor. The workshop should be completed in Spring 2011. Drahota is moving out of rented space that is under new ownership.
Syngenta Seeds - Syngenta Seeds is building a 7,200 s.f. machine storage warehouse for its Project Development group on the north side of its campus on North 12th Ave. in Washington. The building project was designed and constructed by Greiner Buildings of Washington.
For more information contact the City of Washington's Building and Zoning Department at (319) 653-6584 Ext. 24.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Washington County unemployment drops to 5%
Washington County's unemployment rate fell to 5.0% in October, 2010. This is the 2nd lowest unemployment rate in Eastern Iowa, behind Johnson County. The total laborforce also fell slightly to 12,200 with 11,600 employed persons in the County.
Of the estimated 600 Washington County unemployed persons, only 176 were drawing Unemployment Insurance benefits (down from 215 in September). For 17 of those receiving Unemployment benefits, their last payment occurred in September, while 26 received their first Unemployment benefit payment.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Scandinavian Interiors furniture store almost ready to open in Riverside, Iowa.
Kelly Wood is getting ready to open the new location for Scandinavian Interiors in Riverside, Iowa's Eastside Commercial Site development. The planned opening day is Friday, December 3rd, 2010.
The store was a fixture for a number of years on the Coralville "Strip" but has been closed since the floods of 2008 almost (but not quite) inundated the business. Wood, of rural Ainsworth, considered other locations to reopen the business and settled on Commercial Drive in the new Eastside Commercial Site in Riverside, Iowa just off US 218 and Hwy 22.
Currently, the other major businesss in the subdivision include the new University of Iowa Health Care - River Crossing medical clinic, and Saints Avenue Custom Homes. The development is just south of the popular Travel Mart fueling station, convenience store and restaurant.
The general contractor for Kelly Wood was her husband, Matt Wood of Wood Construction. Don Marie Electric did the electric work.
The development is owned by the City of Riverside. Additional commercial lots are available through Kenneth Kucera of Riverside Realty.
The store was a fixture for a number of years on the Coralville "Strip" but has been closed since the floods of 2008 almost (but not quite) inundated the business. Wood, of rural Ainsworth, considered other locations to reopen the business and settled on Commercial Drive in the new Eastside Commercial Site in Riverside, Iowa just off US 218 and Hwy 22.
Currently, the other major businesss in the subdivision include the new University of Iowa Health Care - River Crossing medical clinic, and Saints Avenue Custom Homes. The development is just south of the popular Travel Mart fueling station, convenience store and restaurant.
The general contractor for Kelly Wood was her husband, Matt Wood of Wood Construction. Don Marie Electric did the electric work.
The development is owned by the City of Riverside. Additional commercial lots are available through Kenneth Kucera of Riverside Realty.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Washington Schools host 11/16 6:00pm forum for Renovation Plan for Middle School
Here is a great opportunity to get some info and give some feedback on a major Washington School improvement project.
6:00-6:30 pm Walk-through of (existing) high school. This building is to become the 6-8 grade Middle School.
Meeting Agenda 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Washington Middle School
Renovation Plan Public Forum
Renovation Plan Public Forum
Hosted by WCSD and Bergland and Cram Architects
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Washington High School Auditorium
313 S. 4th Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
Washington, IA 52353
Meeting Agenda 6:30 - 8:30 pm
- Overview of past meetings
- School Board renovation priorities
- View revised schematic design
- Public Input
- Outline next steps
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
More cool building improvements in downtown Washington
There are quite a few building improvement projects in the Main Street Washington Downtown District that are either wrapping up or just getting underway. All of them are making downtown a more attractive, business friendly, scene.
Zager Plumbing and Heating at 204 S. Iowa Ave. did a facade and entryway project that included a new retractable awning and exposing some of the transom glass block above the entry. They received design assistance from Main Street Iowa, and received a matching grant of $2500 from Main Street Washington (which they received from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation). Renoux Builders did the construction work.
Central Park Community Center, next to the new Washington Public Library on Washington St., also did a facade project that exposed some of the intact transom glass block above the entryway. Note the new street light and bench in front of the building. This project has mostly been funded by an anonymous benefactor! The Community Center is frequently a polling location in Washington.
Ann Williams' future Farm Bureau Insurance office on North Iowa Ave. is just getting underway. The vinyl siding has been removed, and at some point cinder block was installed to replace the original brick facade. Main Street Iowa helped Williams develop a new look, and Matt Wood of Wood Construction is carrying out the redevelopment. In addition to her insurance office, Williams is planning a large second story apartment. This project also received a $15,000 grant from Main Street Washington (through the Washington County Riverboat Foundation).
Finally, note the changing of the seasons. The Washington City Park Department oversees the installation of a seasonal metal cover for the iconic Central Park Fountain. The custom metal cover was built by Evans Welding in Washington and was being installed with the assistance of Franzen Electric, also of Washington. The Andy Ross family of Ross Auto do a lot of volunteer work to maintain the fountain throughout the summer months, and also get it ready to open in the Spring and ready to close up for the Winter. During the winter, the Park Department installs a light display that resembles the water spray from the fountain. Pretty neat.
Central Park Community Center, next to the new Washington Public Library on Washington St., also did a facade project that exposed some of the intact transom glass block above the entryway. Note the new street light and bench in front of the building. This project has mostly been funded by an anonymous benefactor! The Community Center is frequently a polling location in Washington.
Ann Williams' future Farm Bureau Insurance office on North Iowa Ave. is just getting underway. The vinyl siding has been removed, and at some point cinder block was installed to replace the original brick facade. Main Street Iowa helped Williams develop a new look, and Matt Wood of Wood Construction is carrying out the redevelopment. In addition to her insurance office, Williams is planning a large second story apartment. This project also received a $15,000 grant from Main Street Washington (through the Washington County Riverboat Foundation).
Finally, note the changing of the seasons. The Washington City Park Department oversees the installation of a seasonal metal cover for the iconic Central Park Fountain. The custom metal cover was built by Evans Welding in Washington and was being installed with the assistance of Franzen Electric, also of Washington. The Andy Ross family of Ross Auto do a lot of volunteer work to maintain the fountain throughout the summer months, and also get it ready to open in the Spring and ready to close up for the Winter. During the winter, the Park Department installs a light display that resembles the water spray from the fountain. Pretty neat.
Monday, November 8, 2010
City of Washington solicits proposals for downtown redevelopment project
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, IOWA
The City of Washington has issued a Request for Proposals on a unique development opportunity in beautiful, historic downtown Washington. The City is offering a site for redevelopment under favorable terms.
If interested, call or email David Plyman, City Administrator, to request a copy of the RFP at (319) 653‐6584 or dplyman@washingtoniowa.net
Proposals are due by December 16, 2010. The following 10-page RFP explains the opportunity in detail.
Downtown Washington RFP
The City's parcels are on S. Marion Ave., just off the town square. This area has recently undergone a major streetscape project, and there has been significant private reinvestment to buildings in the area.
Interested parties may also contact local economic development officials to confidentially discuss questions, ideas, or further opportunities:
Ed Raber, Director (this blog's author)
Washington Economic Development Group
205 W. Main Street
Washington, IA 52353-1722
office 319/653-3942 | cell 319/653-8605
wedg@iowatelecom.net
wedg.blogspot.com
Amy J. Vetter │Executive Director
Main Street Washington
205 West Main Street
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3272 (o) │ (319) 863-3423 (c)
(319) 653-5805 (f) │ washms@iowatelecom.net
The City of Washington has issued a Request for Proposals on a unique development opportunity in beautiful, historic downtown Washington. The City is offering a site for redevelopment under favorable terms.
If interested, call or email David Plyman, City Administrator, to request a copy of the RFP at (319) 653‐6584 or dplyman@washingtoniowa.net
Proposals are due by December 16, 2010. The following 10-page RFP explains the opportunity in detail.
Downtown Washington RFP
The City's parcels are on S. Marion Ave., just off the town square. This area has recently undergone a major streetscape project, and there has been significant private reinvestment to buildings in the area.
Interested parties may also contact local economic development officials to confidentially discuss questions, ideas, or further opportunities:
Ed Raber, Director (this blog's author)
Washington Economic Development Group
205 W. Main Street
Washington, IA 52353-1722
office 319/653-3942 | cell 319/653-8605
wedg@iowatelecom.net
wedg.blogspot.com
Amy J. Vetter │Executive Director
Main Street Washington
205 West Main Street
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-3272 (o) │ (319) 863-3423 (c)
(319) 653-5805 (f) │ washms@iowatelecom.net
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Bodywrx building historic rehab gets new windows, new cornices
The Bodywrx Fitness Center building on the east side of the Washington town square is starting to see some visible rennovations.
Last week, new windows were installed. This is after the steel false front was removed, and the cinderblocks in the window spaces were removed. What an improvement!
Today, the first of two replacement cornices was installed. You can see from the picture that on the right, the bricks where the cornice goes are not nice and neat like the rest of the brick face. Builders used imperfect bricks to fill the space behind the cornice. The original cornices were removed many years ago when the steel facing was installed.
The new awning was installed about a month ago.
This project is making a big difference in the Main Street Washington downtown district.
Last week, new windows were installed. This is after the steel false front was removed, and the cinderblocks in the window spaces were removed. What an improvement!
Today, the first of two replacement cornices was installed. You can see from the picture that on the right, the bricks where the cornice goes are not nice and neat like the rest of the brick face. Builders used imperfect bricks to fill the space behind the cornice. The original cornices were removed many years ago when the steel facing was installed.
The new awning was installed about a month ago.
This project is making a big difference in the Main Street Washington downtown district.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Washington County laborforce surges, unemployment holds steady at 5.2%
Washington County's unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in September, 2010. This is the 2nd lowest unemployment rate in Eastern Iowa, behind Johnson County. The real positive news in the County was that the laborforce surged by 2.5% to 12,500 in September from 12,200 in August. The number of employed persons in the County also grew by over 200 to 11,800.
It is encouraging to see people re-entering the laborforce, and crisp increases in hiring or rehiring around the County resulted in over 200 more Washington Co. people being employed.
Of the estimated 600 Washington County unemployed persons, only 215 were drawing Unemployment Insurance benefits. For 20 of those receiving Unemployment benefits, their last payment occurred in September, while 29 received their first Unemployment benefit payment.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
It is encouraging to see people re-entering the laborforce, and crisp increases in hiring or rehiring around the County resulted in over 200 more Washington Co. people being employed.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Commercial development - Pizza Ranch - begins on Washington's east side
Construction work has begun on the first commercial development project adjacent to the year-old Super Wal-Mart store on Washington's east side.
The first project is on approx. 2 acres in the Wiley Subdivision on the south side of Hwy 92 (Washington St.) and Wiley Ave., adjacent to Super Wal-Mart. Phase I of the project includes a 5,200 s.f. Pizza Ranch with a drive through. This is a larger location for the successful Pizza Ranch, currently located in leased space next to the regional Iowa DNR office in the old Hy-Vee store.
Phase II on the 2 acre site is planned to include 12,250 s.f. of retail/restaurant custom space.
Jeff Hazelett, of Dalhaze Development and broker at Washington Real Estate, handled the land acquisition and concept.
MMS Consultants of Iowa City did the site design. Delong Construction of Washington is doing the site preparation, including utility extensions and storm water detention area. The Pizza Ranch was financed by Midwest One bank, and a SBA 504 loan through Iowa Business Growth Company.
Greg Wiley has three additional prime commercial lots adjacent to the new Super Wal-Mart, which opened in the fall of 2009.
The first project is on approx. 2 acres in the Wiley Subdivision on the south side of Hwy 92 (Washington St.) and Wiley Ave., adjacent to Super Wal-Mart. Phase I of the project includes a 5,200 s.f. Pizza Ranch with a drive through. This is a larger location for the successful Pizza Ranch, currently located in leased space next to the regional Iowa DNR office in the old Hy-Vee store.
Jeff Hazelett, of Dalhaze Development and broker at Washington Real Estate, handled the land acquisition and concept.
MMS Consultants of Iowa City did the site design. Delong Construction of Washington is doing the site preparation, including utility extensions and storm water detention area. The Pizza Ranch was financed by Midwest One bank, and a SBA 504 loan through Iowa Business Growth Company.
Greg Wiley has three additional prime commercial lots adjacent to the new Super Wal-Mart, which opened in the fall of 2009.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Paved Bike Shoulder on Wayland Road moving ahead
The Washington County project to pave about 7 miles of Wayland Road(W-55) south of the City of Washington, Iowa is moving along quickly toward completion this fall. Construction started last week.
The 4' paved shoulders will include a rumble strip close to the edge of the motor roadway to improve safety for motorists on this hilly and winding road through the picturesque Crooked Creek (and Skunk River) valleys in southern Washington County. The outside 3' of the paved shoulder will provide an excellent lane for biking, with safe separation from motor vehicles. The Wayland Road has become a popular route for bicyclists.
View Wayland Road Paved Bike Shoulders in a larger map
The project will provide safer biking access for several subdivisions south of Washington, plus improved access to popular County Parks, Sockum Ridge and Fern Cliff. The paved shoulders will end at 320th St. where Wayland Road becomes flat south into Wayland, IA. 32th St. is paved to the east and west, providing good access to other amenities in the region.
The project has been financed with a $500,000 safety grant from the Iowa DOT, a $250,000 grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation in June, plus another $250,000 of local County funding.
The shoulder project is being done by L.L. Pelling Co. of North Liberty, IA.
The 4' paved shoulders will include a rumble strip close to the edge of the motor roadway to improve safety for motorists on this hilly and winding road through the picturesque Crooked Creek (and Skunk River) valleys in southern Washington County. The outside 3' of the paved shoulder will provide an excellent lane for biking, with safe separation from motor vehicles. The Wayland Road has become a popular route for bicyclists.
View Wayland Road Paved Bike Shoulders in a larger map
The project will provide safer biking access for several subdivisions south of Washington, plus improved access to popular County Parks, Sockum Ridge and Fern Cliff. The paved shoulders will end at 320th St. where Wayland Road becomes flat south into Wayland, IA. 32th St. is paved to the east and west, providing good access to other amenities in the region.
The project has been financed with a $500,000 safety grant from the Iowa DOT, a $250,000 grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation in June, plus another $250,000 of local County funding.
The shoulder project is being done by L.L. Pelling Co. of North Liberty, IA.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Montchevre grand opening for anaerobic digester
BELMONT, WISCONSIN - Montchevre Betin, award winning goat cheese producers hosted a grand opening celebration for a new anaerobic digester on October 8, 2010.
The digester utilizes the waste stream from its 100,000 s.f. Belmont, WI cheese plant to make bio-gas, which is then burned to generate electricity. Alliant Energy is purchasing all of the power from the digester, which is enough to power 200 homes. The digester was designed by Eric Fessler, P.E., of Procorp Enterprises, LLC in Milwaukee, WI.
In addition to many dignitaries from Wisconsin, Washington Economic Development Group director, Ed Raber, and board director Tom Davey of US Bank, were on hand to congratulate Montchevre on their accomplishment.
Established in 1988, Montchevre has many Amish goat milk producers in Southeast Iowa and Northern Missouri which they serve with several milk routes. In 2009, Montchevre opened a milk transfer station in Washington, Iowa to support its Wisconsin operation. We hope that Montchevre will further expand into cheese production, including a digester, in Washington in the future.
Their cheese is really great! Montchevre recently won two gold medals in the 2010 Wold Championship Cheese Contest.
In addition to many dignitaries from Wisconsin, Washington Economic Development Group director, Ed Raber, and board director Tom Davey of US Bank, were on hand to congratulate Montchevre on their accomplishment.
Established in 1988, Montchevre has many Amish goat milk producers in Southeast Iowa and Northern Missouri which they serve with several milk routes. In 2009, Montchevre opened a milk transfer station in Washington, Iowa to support its Wisconsin operation. We hope that Montchevre will further expand into cheese production, including a digester, in Washington in the future.
Their cheese is really great! Montchevre recently won two gold medals in the 2010 Wold Championship Cheese Contest.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Washington County unemployment rate holds steady at 5.4% in August
Washington County's monthly unemployment rate for August 2010 held steady at 5.4% for the second month. This is the second lowest unemployment rate in all of Eastern Iowa, behind Johnson County with 5.1%.
Washington County's labor force is over 12,200 and there are about 700 of those people that are considered unemployed.
The State of Iowa's unemployment rate in August is unchanged from July at 6.8%, and the national rate increased slightly to 9.6%.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
The State of Iowa's unemployment rate in August is unchanged from July at 6.8%, and the national rate increased slightly to 9.6%.
The State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
MD Orthopaedics of Wayland among fastest growing companies in America
MD Orthopaedics of Wayland, Iowa, has been recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in America. The company, started by entrepreneur and CEO John Mitchell, is listed as the 704th fastest growing private company in 2010.
The company was reported to have 435% growth over the past 3 years, and sales of $4.2 million in the last year.
MD Orthopaedics has also been recognized by the Corridor Business Journal as one of the top 10 fastest growing companies in the greater Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area in Eastern Iowa for the past two years.
Mr. Mitchell started his company in his garage in rural Washington County, Iowa almost 7 years ago. He developed and manufacturers the Ponsetti clubfoot brace. Developed with the encouragement of Dr. Ponsetti at the University of Iowa as a part of his revolutionary, non-surgical method for treating infant clubfoot. This methodology has been adopted worldwide, and MD Orthopaedics ships its clubfoot brace to doctors and families around the globe.
Mr. Mitchell received support and encouragement from many sources while starting his business, including the Washington Economic Development Group, the UI's Small Business Development Center, Dr. Ponsetti and the Ponsetti Foundation, the Iowa Dept. of Economic Development, and parents around the world that provided feedback about how his device helped their babies.
There were a total of 26 Iowa companies that made Inc.'s list of the top 5000. This includes Marion-based Involta (#40), Clickstop from Urbana, TMone from Iowa City, and Hybrid Transit Systems, Geonetiric, Raining Rose, Circle Computer Resources, RuffaloCODY and TrueNorth from Cedar Rapids.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sign up for FastTrac® New Venture Entrepreneurial Training course
The UI's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the UI John Pappajohn Entrepreneruial Center (JPEC) are again offering a 7 week entrepreneurial training course, beginning Sept. 28.
This initiative is designed to provide a wide range of learning experiences for individuals who wish to create a venture, learn the entrepreneurial process, or need to update their knowledge and skills to grow their businesses. FastTrac® New Venture is a program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures. The seven-session program focuses on the development of a plan to successfully launch a new sustainable venture.
During the 7-session program, participants will:
To Register, visit www.iowajpec.org or call (319) 384-1968. The cost (including course materials) is $149. For students, the cost is $75.
This initiative is designed to provide a wide range of learning experiences for individuals who wish to create a venture, learn the entrepreneurial process, or need to update their knowledge and skills to grow their businesses. FastTrac® New Venture is a program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures. The seven-session program focuses on the development of a plan to successfully launch a new sustainable venture.
During the 7-session program, participants will:
- Research the down market and learn how you can succeed with your business
- Evaluate the financial potential of your venture
- Identify sources of capital for financing your new venture
- Network with successful entrepreneurs and business experts
- Learn to benefit from the current economic environment
- Receive excellent materials!
Where & When
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
September 28 - November 9, 2010
C129 Pomerantz Center
The University of Iowa
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
September 28 - November 9, 2010
C129 Pomerantz Center
The University of Iowa
To Register, visit www.iowajpec.org or call (319) 384-1968. The cost (including course materials) is $149. For students, the cost is $75.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Main Street Washington & Bodywrx Fitness Center get $250k I-JOBS rehab grant
The Bodywrx Fitness Center project, owned and operated by Teri Hartzler, received $250,000 in I-JOBS toward a total project of about $368,000. Additional grant money toward the project was through a Main Street Washington grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.
The project will include removing the sheet metal from the building front, restoring the original facade to the building, creating a new access to the upper floor, and creating two large apartments. Bodywrx had been working closely with Main Street Washington director, Amy Vetter and other volunteers on developing the project for the past year. The Bodywrx building is a key downtown building on the east side of the newly renovated side of the Washington town square.
Go ahead and "like" Main Street Washington on FaceBook.
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