Southwest Iowa Coalition Contact Information

Membership Benefits:

A strong concerted voice on rural issues affecting your community, county and business
Networking opportunities with other community, county and business leaders
Opportunities to meet with state and federal agency representatives, policymakers and legislators
Assistance with accessing a $3.4 million revolving loan fund for community and business projects
Joint or regional marketing options to assist you in locating skilled labor and new industry
A voice and a vote within an organization in which you set an annual agenda for rural development
Timely alerts and notices of relative news, meetings and events
Regular electronic and postal communications to keep you current on Coalition activities

2008 MEETING SCHEDULE
Membership meetings begin at 6 p.m. with a dinner. A featured speaker or program follows with regular business attended to by the membership. All meetings are open to the public. An RSVP for dinner to the office is necessary. Checks or cash are accepted at the door for meal payment. Come meet the members and hear about the current regional news and resources for your local communities.

Membership Meetings
January 22, Tuesday - Red Oak
February 26, Tuesday - Atlantic - The Feedlot, 1904 E 7th Street
March 20- Taste of Southwest Iowa - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
April 22, Tuesday - Happy Hollow Country Club, Corning
June 24, Tuesday - Thurman, Fremont County
August 26, Tuesday - Annual Golf Tournament - Red Oak
September 30, Tuesday Legislative Forum - Creston
October 28, Tuesday - Ringgold County (site TBA)

Board Meetings
The board meets prior to the membership meetings at 3:30 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. on months when a regular meeting is not scheduled.
January 22, Tuesday - Red Oak - 3:30 p.m.
February 26, Tuesday - Atlantic - 3:30 p.m.
March 20- Taste of Southwest Iowa - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
April 22, Tuesday - Happy Hollow Country Club, Corning - 3:30 p.m.
May 27, Tuesday - SWICO Office, Red Oak - 6 p.m.
June 24, Tuesday - Washwtee, Fremont County - 3:30 p.m.
August 26, Tuesday - Golf Tournament - Red Oak - 3:30 p.m.
September 30, Tuesday Legislative Forum - Creston - 3:30 p.m.
October 28, Tuesday - Ringgold County (site TBA) - 3:30 p.m.
November 25, Tuesday - SWICO Office, Red Oak - 6 p.m.

Volunteer for a 2008 Committee
Legislative Committee
Value Added Ag Committee
Housing Committee
Water Committee
Telecommunications Committee
Transportation Committee
Energy Committee
Membership Committee

2008 Membership Drive is Underway

Members are congratulated on the very low rate of attrition SWICO experiences annually. The annual, average rate is 33%. SWICO only has an average lapse of 2 to 3 members a year for various reasons. And, these losses are generally replaced with new members for the year. This ongoing membership support, through more than a decade, is a tribute to the volunteer, regional work that continues to secure resources and influence rural policy and an affirmation of SWICOs continued viability.

The board of directors is greatly appreciative of all the 2007 member support.

Regional collaborative efforts have become even more critical for local economic viability. Policy and funding is increasingly targeted to support regional efforts because such strength and effectiveness is seen in them.

Much debate and research has centered on “what a region is”, “what size a region should be” or “how to be a region.” And while the discussion rages, SWICO just continues to get the work accomplished.

In 2008, members will continue to communicate an annual legislative agenda of priorities. Annual activities such as Taste of Southwest Iowa at the capitol and member meetings will continue to provide awareness of rural issues and networking opportunities that strengthen local community development efforts. And, SWICO will continue to support and nurture long-term regional projects such as the Rural Development Resource Center and regional marketing groups.

Maintaining the same number in membership though does not mean the same amount of revenue from membership dues because of the sliding rate. A gain of one membership at $50 does not begin to replace a loss of one at $500.

The board of directors asks that each member take a little time to increase memberships for 2008 so that SWICO can be comfortable meeting its financial obligations and activity schedule.

You are the voice at your local level that can convey the value of SWICO for community development. And, here is the goal: $300 in membership dues from each member county.

Here are some easy ways to increase your county membership:

• Review the list of members in this newsletter.• Ask your city or County Board of Supervisors to join.

• Consider increasing your own individual membership to a business membership level.

• Bring guests to meetings and events.

• Request information be mailed to a business or individual by the office.

Good work is being accomplished on a regional level. Let's increase that capacity in 2008!

Austin B Turner III Leadership & Scholarship Memorial Award
click here for an Austin B Turner III Leadership & Memorial Scholarship Award application.

Austin B. Turner III was a champion for rural Iowa. A past resident of Corning, he was one of the founding members of SWICO and worked tirelessly to encourage regional collaboration among leaders in the area and to maintainIn and active presence among legislators and policy-makers.

In recognition of his life-long dedication, commitment, and service to southwest Iowa and the state, the Southwest Iowa Coalition has created the Austin B. Turner III Leadership Award. Groups and individuals in southwest Iowa who participate in the Southwest Iowa Coalition are encouraged to nominate worthy individuals who, by their dedication, commitment and service to their city, region and state, make rural Iowa a better place to live.