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Muscatine, IA: The Right Place to Grow (Population 23,000)Muscatine was destined to have a commercial purpose. With its abundant natural resources and prime location along the Mississippi River, early settlers saw the area's vast potential. As early as 1834, when Muscatine County's first official resident, Ben Nye, built a saw mill, new residents were busy building homesteads and businesses, fulfilling their American Dreams here on the prairie. Moving forward, Muscatine's history can be told in a series of economic booms and busts, yet the resilience and the ingenuity of our residents have always led to a brighter future for all. Today, Muscatine is home to several corporate giants and smaller companies who provide thousands of good paying jobs, in both the white and blue collar sector. People still move to the area to fulfill their dreams and raise their families. Muscatine is striving to meet the demands of its residents in terms of housing, education, infrastructure, safety and recreational opportunities. Muscatine has transformed its visual image in the past decade by revitalizing its parks and public spaces. It seems one great idea leads to another, as several community projects moved forward with public and private funding. Come visit with Mayor Richard O'Brien and other community leaders who will share with you the in's and out's of planning, fundraising and working with volunteers. The field trip will include a visit to the Muscatine History & Industry Center to see how one great idea has become Muscatine's #1 attraction. The group will then take a community tour to see some of the projects that have been completed through public and private funding. Please dress casually and comfortably, some walking will be involved. Dinner will be at the Button Factory Wood Fire Grille, which specializes in Midwestern cuisine (Dinner is at your expense with meals ranging between $10.00 and $20.00, all included. Credit/debit cards are accepted.) Hosted by Heather Shoppa, Manager Muscatine Convention and Visitors Bureau Itinerary Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Columbus Junction, IA: Welcoming New Residents and Creating New Leaders (Population 1,900)Columbus Junction is home to families from over a dozen countries and Puerto Rico. Over the years the area's immigration has been driven by railroads, produce farms and most recently meat processing. Louisa County, where Columbus Junction is the second largest city, currently has the highest per capita Hispanic population in Iowa. The Columbus Community Schools just graduated the last Anglo-majority class. A third of downtown businesses are Hispanic-owned and the city was recognized by Latina magazine in 2005 as a great place to live. How does a small town capitalize on a steady influx of new residents? How can newcomers be involved in the community development process? What themes unite everyone as a community? During this field trip Columbus Junction leaders will describe processes and approaches that are working to bring their community together. The most recent level of progress achieved is marked by the creation of a Community Development Center designed to keep the momentum going. The Center is funded by state and local sources. Columbus Junction was recently awarded $14,000 from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs through the Iowa Community Cultural Grant Program and the City is supporting the effort with $20,000 from sales tax revenues. Tour hosts will provide background information and answer questions on the bus as we travel to Columbus Junction. First we'll stop briefly at the city's famous swinging bridge for a little fresh air and exercise. From there we'll gather at the new Civic Center for a panel discussion on Columbus Junction Community Development efforts. This will be followed by a tour of downtown and a delicious meal, showcasing Latin American foods, catered by the Civic Society of Columbus. The meal will cost $15 per person, all included. Hosted by: Mallory Smith, Director and Nitza Castillo, Assistant Director, Columbus Junction Community Development Center Itinerary
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