Southwest Iowa Coalition Contact Information

The board will meet for its regular meeting on July 15, 2010 at 6 PM in Red Oak at the office. The public and members are welcome to attend. The agenda is below. Please let the offic know if you have items to add that you would like to address.

Some board members will meet casually prior to the meeting for dinner at 5 pm. Please let the office know if you would like to be included in the reservation list.

Please take time to review the agenda items. Let the office know if you would like to volunteer for any of the upcoming work.

April 2010 board minutes	May Activities and Board Notes	July Board Agenda

Are you a member? Modest dues spread throughout 16 counties keep your communication network in place so that, when you need each other, you can do your work. Support your regional advocacy work. membership form here

February Board & Membership Meeting in Brief:

The Treasurer's report was submitted and unanymously passed reflecting a $12,022.77 balance as of Feb. 18th. Membership renewals are continuing to come into the office but members were encouraged to be agressive at the local level soliciting new members. The Coalition has a frugal budget of just under $20k per year which allows it to continue to fund its communication and coordinate activities.

Legislative Committee member, Dale McAllister updated those present on the Clarinda Mental Health Institute's situation stating that the influx of requests coming from throughout 16 counties had been invaluable as legislators considered removing language from the restructuring bill calling for it closure. Clarinda leadership felt confident that the Senate would pass the House revisions to the bill removing the language and leaving the decision to the Department of Human services which had not chosen to close the Clarinda facility. He had been told by legislators that 'southwest Iowa was very organized. He thanked members for their support.

The board discussed a letter copied to them from Cardinal IG in Greenfield that had been sent to legislators in which it discussed the burden being placed on Iowa businesses from the increased unemployment tax. With no action steps at this point being requested of SWICO, the board's consensus was to further investigate.

Legislative Committee member Joeseph Blankenship reported on the Transportation Day on the Hill he attended on behalf of SWICO and Mills County. He stated that without a gas tax, the fund would always run short but that had been vetoed last session by the Governor. The Governor had proposed that a $50M shortfall in the Iowa Patrol Budget due to the 10% cut be taken from the RUTF. Legislators had not agreed but were told by the Governor to find the $50M elsewhere if not from the RUTF.

Ag Committee Chair Bill Henderson reported that the BioDisel credit delay was negatively impacting the state. Senator Grassly had inserted an ammendement to the Farm Bill, but it was removed by Senator Reid with a promise that it would be passed shortly.

Discussion took place on funding available to regional projects seeking to create mechanisms for sustainable communities. Regions, now being defined as broader areas, and even multi-state in some cases, positions the ongoing, collaborative projects/programs of SWICO well. However it will be necessary for SWICO to look at potential partnerships now across state lines with which it has commonality.

President Bill Henderson requested a Wallace Foundation for Rural Research update. It was reported that the annual meeting was scheduled for February 26th at which Dean of the College of Ag for ISU, Wendy Wintersteen and John Lawrence, the new program director for Extension to Ag would facilitate a discussion on the role and future of the Learning Center in Lewis since it's loss of revenue from ISUE due to the restructuring. Without this revenue from office rent and costs recovered for technology and office infrastructure, the Learning Center must find other revenue streams to sustain itself. Some suggestions were made by board members that the Learning Center reclaim its farm ground from ISU at the Research Park and conventionally farm it for revenue. It was thought that seed and equipment could be secured at a drastically reduced rate to increase profit. Members were encouraged to attend the annual meeting and voice their opinions about the value of the Learning Center's presence is southwest Iowa.

The 2010 slate of board nominees was elected by the membership and are: Keith Harlan & Russ Joyce of Cass County, Margaret Johnson of Fremont County and Alec Turner and Martin Olive of Adams County.

Many thanks to all of the members who continue to support SWICO annually through membership dues.

2010 Members To-Date:
Mark your calendars for activities and events during 2010!

Jacky Adams
Denny Bloom
Mike Cheese
Dan Morgan
Ken Pangburn
Jerry Putnam
Alec Turner
A.M. Cohron & Sons, Inc.
Adams Community Chamber of Commerce
Adams Community Economic Development Corp
Adams County Board of Supervisors
Agri-solutions
Akin Building Centers: Corning, Atlantic, Clarinda, Creston
A-Plus Designs
Bank Iowa - Essex
Bank Iowa - Red Oak
Bank Iowa - Shenandoah
Bedford Area Development Center
Camblin Mechanical, Inc.
Cass County Board of Supervisors
Cass County Supervisors
Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation
City National Bank - Shenandoah
City of Fontanelle
City of Griswold
City of Red Oak
City of Shenandoah
City of Stanton
City of Villisca
Clarinda Chamber of Commerce
Corning Nursing & Rehab Center
Diagonal Community Development Corporation
Farmers Mutual Telephone Co
Farmers Trust & Savings Bank
First National Bank - Fontanelle,Greenfield,Massena,Anita
Fremont County Farm Bureau
Fremont Economic Development Corporation
Fremont Economic Development Corporation
Glenwood State Bank
Glenwood/Mills Co Chamber of Com and Ec Dev Found
Great Western Bank - Bedford
Great Western Bank - Creston
Great Western Bank - Hamburg
Great Western Bank - Leon
Great Western Bank - Mount Ayr
Great Western Bank - Oakland
Great Western Bank - Osceola
Great Western Bank - Red Oak
Great Western Bank - Sidney
Great Western Bank - Stanton
Greenfield Chamber/Mainstreet & Development Corp.
Grow Iowa Foundation, Inc.
Grundman Insurance
Houghton State Bank
Iowa Area Development Group
Iowa State Savings Bank - Corning
Iowa State Savings Bank - Creston
Iowa State Savings Bank - Lenox
Iowa Telecom
KSCI - KOAK Radio
Lenox Development Corporation
McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO
McMahon Drug Store
MidAmerican Energy
Midwest Opportunities
Midwest Partnership Development Corporation
Mills County Board of Supervisors
Mills County Farm Bureau
Montgomery Co Development Corp
Montgomery County Farm Bureau
Montgomery County Memorial Hosp
Montgomery County Supervisors
Oakview Construction
P.R.I.D.E. - Cass County
Page County Farm Bureau
Page County Federal Savings Association
Page County State Bank
Panora Communications Coop
Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association
Red Oak Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Ringgold Co Development Corp
Ringgold County Board of Supervisors
Ringgold County Development
Shelby County State Bank
Southwest Iowa Planning Council
Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative
Titan Machinery
Union County Board of Supervisors
Wallace Foundation for Rural Research & Development
Wash Haus, LLC
Western Iowa Tourism

Thank you to members for advocacy on behalf of the Clarinda Mental Health Institute from board member, Dale McAllister and Jason Bridie:

Lynn: I want to personally thank you and all of the Coalition members for their tremendous effort in contacting legislators regarding Clarinda's MHI. The support has not gone unnoticed, certainly by our community and I know by many key legislators. The SWIA Coalition is at its best when we rally around legislative issues. Our voice is loud, strong, and important to the future success of Southwest Iowa.

Again, many thanks to those who have been involved in supporting our MHI these past several days. The fight is not over yet and we will need your assistance in the days ahead. I will stay in contact with the latest news as I receive it. Dale

Dale W. McAllister, board member

Dear Lynn:

I wanted to send you and the Southwest Iowa Coalition a note of thanks for your efforts to educate legislators, the community, and your peers about the Clarinda MHI and its importance to our region. We’ve seen tremendous support from area residents and constituent groups during the past few weeks. Thanks again…and please pass along this note to those who’ve helped along the way.

Sincerely, Jason Bridie

2010 MEETING & EVENT SCHEDULE
Board meetings begin at 4 p.m. Members and guests are encouraged to attend and participate in the planning. Board and members will network during a meal that follows at 6 p.m. Meetings with meals will be held at locations that offer a limited menu for group reservations and an RSVP for dinner to the office is necessary.

Jan. 21st	Annual Meeting	cancelled due to weather
Feb. 18th	Board and Member	Red Coach Inn, Red Oak (1200 Senate Ave. Hwy 34)
March 10th	Taste of Southwest Iowa/Legislative Day	Cancelled for 2010: Capitol Rotunda 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
April 15th	Board/Member	Corning: Austin Turner Leadership Award Presentation
May 20th	Board	Red Oak office
June 17th	SWICO Summit	location TBA - suggested topics Picking Partners & Marketing Assets Multi-state regionalism/collaborations and who are the investors? Showcasing: Collaborations in Southwest Iowa
July 15th	Board	Red Oak
August Break
Sept. 16th	SWICO Summit	Suggested: Our Competitive Advantage Candidates Forum will be incorporated Identifying & Strategizing our Regional Assets
Oct. 21st	Board and Membership	Location TBA
Nov. 18th	Board	Red Oak
December Break

New Committee Structures in place - volunteer to serve Committees

2009 Members to Date
Have you renewed your dues to keep the good work going?
Ronald Abbott
Denny Bloom
Don Brantz
Mike Cheese
David Davis
Dan Morgan
Ken Pangburn
Guy Powell
Jerry Putnam
Ruth Smith
Alec Turner
A.M. Cohron & Sons, Inc.
Adair County Farm Bureau
Adams Community Chamber of Commerce
Adams Community Economic Development Corp
Adams County Board of Supervisors
Adams County Farm Bureau
Agri-solutions
Akin Building Centers: Corning, Atlantic, Clarinda, Creston
Alliant Energy
A-Plus Designs
Bateman's Services
Bedford Area Development Group
Camblin Mechanical, Inc.
Cass County Board of Supervisors
Cass County Supervisors
Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation
City National Bank - Shenandoah
City of Fontanelle
City of Griswold
City of Red Oak
City of Shenandoah
City of Stanton
City of Villisca
Clarinda Chamber of Commerce
Corning Community School District
Corning Nursing & Rehab Center
Diagonal Community Development Corporation
Farmers Mutual Telephone Co
Farmers Trust & Savings Bank
First National Bank - Fontanelle,Greenfield,Massena,Anita
Fremont County Farm Bureau
Fremont Economic Development Corporation
Fremont Economic Development Corporation
Glenwood State Bank
Glenwood/Mills Co Chamber of Com and Ec Dev Found
Great Western Bank - Bedford
Great Western Bank - Creston
Great Western Bank - Hamburg
Great Western Bank - Leon
Great Western Bank - Mount Ayr
Great Western Bank - Osceola
Great Western Bank - Red Oak
Great Western Bank - Sidney
Great Western Bank - Stanton
Greenfield Chamber/Mainstreet & Development Corp.
Grow Iowa Foundation, Inc.
Grundman Insurance
Houghton State Bank
Iowa Area Development Group
Iowa State Savings Bank
Iowa State Savings Bank - Creston
Iowa State Savings Bank - Lenox
Iowa Telecom
Lenox Development Corporation
Lenox Municipal Utilities
McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO
McMahon Drug Store
Midwest Opportunities
Midwest Partnership Corporation
Mills County Board of Supervisors
Mills County Farm Bureau
Montgomery Co Development Corp
Montgomery County Farm Bureau
Montgomery County Supervisors
Oakview Construction
Okey Vernon First National Bank
P.R.I.D.E. - Cass County
Page County Farm Bureau
Page County Federal Savings Association
Panora Communications Coop
Red Oak Chamber of Commerce
Red Oak Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Red Oak Industrial Foundation
Ringgold Co Development Corp
Ringgold County Board of Supervisors
Ringgold County Development
Shelby County State Bank
Southwest Iowa Planning Council
Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative
Taylor County Farm Bureau
Union County Board of Supervisors
Van Ginkel Law Office
Wallace Foundation for Rural Research & Development
Wells Fargo Bank - Atlantic

volunteer 2009 Tournament Another Success

Volunteers and team players turned out to support the annual golf tournament fundraiser for the Coalition even with the forecaste of a 115 degree heat index.

Member Margaret Johnson, Fremont County, and volunteer Nickie Henderson, Taylor County, ran liquids around the course to players.

Even with the heat, Ken Pangburn, from Adams County, was still able to keep smiling. Just as golfers were finishing up, the wind blew in dropping the temperature and mother nature provided them all with a furious shower. hot day

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, contributors and voluneers, the tournament generated needed revenue for SWICO operations.

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

New committee structure has been adopted by the board

Historically, committees were set up as "special issues groups" coalescing to work on the issue. Once the issue was no longer relevant, the committee became a standing committee which could be activated. President Henderson proposed to board that the committee structure be reworked in order to collapse the 9 standing committees (some of which are obsolete) into four that have more ongoing relevance and better reporting for members. The structure will allow for regional and local advocacy work to be assigned within one of the four committees.

Board members self-assigned themselves to one of the four categories. The board strove to 1.) keep the existing members in place, 2.) balance local representation throughout the membership area, and 3.) place the associated professional qualifications and experience within each committee.

Now it is the time for members to see if there is a committee on which they might like to serve. Contact the office if you would like to be assigned to a committee.

Legislative lobbying/legislative, annual forum, direct contact with state and Federal legislators/policy makers Members Steve Adams Joe Blankenship Dale McAllister Jason Reynolds Twila Larson Dick Elliott	Business & Industry incentives, recruitment efforts, working with existing industries, agriculture Members Bill Henderson Ken Pangburn Russell Joyce George Maher
Infrastructure roads, bridges, hi speed internet, wifi, rural and municipal water, lakes, housing Members Keith Harlan Linda Washburn Clarence Mosier Curt Shaha	Regional Development marketing, workforce, Entrepreneurship Members Kenner Baxter Ruth Smith Margaret Gregory Adam Snodgrass

You may submit applications in for the Austin B Turner III Leadership & Scholarship Memorial Award at any time. The awards are made each April at the membership meeting.

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.

Amended By-Laws to be Adopted by the board
SWICO board members have been working to update the by-laws for the organization. The by-laws now take full advantage of the provisions for board and officer indemnification. The new changes also allow for greater ability to utilize technology for communication purposes.

Thank you to board member Linda Washburn and Karin Hofmann, RDRC program assistant, for helping to get these changes documented and legally reviewed. You can download a copy of the by-laws HERE