HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-2015 Council Economic Development CommitteeAGENDA
City Council Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
12:00 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room
City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Consider approval of minutes from the March 30, 2015
Economic Development Committee meeting
3. Consider request for funding Riverside theater; $16,500
4. Consider request for financial assistance for Little Village move
to Riverfront Crossings office; $7,908
5. Consider request for funding Creative Corridor Request; $10,000
6. Staff report
7. Committee time
8. Other business
9. Adjournment
EDC March 30, 2015 1
Preliminan
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MARCH 30, 2015
CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, 12:00 P.M.
Members Present:
Susan Mims, Michelle Payne, Matt Hayek
Staff Present:
Tom Markus, Tracy Hightshoe, Jeff Davidson, Eleanor Dilkes, John Yapp,
Others Present:
Michal Eynon -Lynch (Pear Deck), Julie Zielenski (EDC), Mitchell Schmidt
(Gazette), Amanda West (Entrefest), Curt Nelson (EDC)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Payne moved to recommend the request to the full City Council for annual assistance of
$25,000 per year to EDC, Inc., prorated for this year, for a three-year period.
Hayek seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Hayek moved to approve the request from Entrefest for a sponsorship of $10,000.
Payne seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mims at 12:03 P.M. She first asked those
present to identify themselves.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the January 12, 2015, were reviewed.
Payne moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Hayek seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
FY15 BUDGET LINE ITEMS REPORT: Economic Development Assistance:
Jeff Davidson provided an update for Members, noting that Wendy Ford had been called away
but may join them later in the meeting. Continuing, Davidson noted that staff wanted to review
the two budgeted line items that they currently have for assistance with economic development
projects — one category is community development assistance and the other is economic
development assistance. He further explained how the City has used these avenues of
assistance in the past, as well as the continued commitments that are part of each year's budget.
Davidson further explained the various funds to Members, noting that there is a current balance
of $132,866, and that today's requests will both come out of this fund, if approved. Mims asked if
they should be giving consideration to increasing the $100,000 line item for economic
development assistance. Markus stated that he likes to have a fairly tight leash, for both the
Council and himself, when it comes to this fund. He added that they can always amend it, if
needed, but that he would prefer not to increase it at this time.
CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM EDC FOR ANNUAL ASSISTANCE OF $25,000:
EDC March 30, 2015 2
Preliminary
Davidson noted that representatives from both Pear Deck and EDC are present today. He talked
about the history of EDC and how things have progressed through the years, to the point where
ICAD speaks highly of the relationship and the value they offer. Davidson noted that staff does
believe that they are at the point where it would be worthwhile for the City to be involved in
providing some funding to EDC. The current request is for $25,000, and staff is suggesting that
this be pro -rated for the current fiscal year and then for the following two years that the City fund
this at $25,000 per year.
Davidson noted that Pear Deck is a great example of what has come out of EDC's efforts. He
added that in providing funding, Iowa City would join ICAD, the U of I Small Business
Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce, to name a few, in these entrepreneurial
efforts. At this point Curt Nelson with EDC spoke to Members. He spoke to the founding of EDC
in 2003 when he was on the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce Board. After researching
various types of accelerator/incubator programs across the country, Nelson came back to the
Chamber of Commerce with a request for $500,000 to seed the program. EDC was created as a
corridor or regional organization, and according to Nelson it has become a statewide
organization, as well as one of the top programs of its type in the country. Nelson suggested that
they think of the EDC as a consulting group for these start-ups they mentor. Nelson then
introduced others from EDC, noting their roles within the organization.
Nelson continued, speaking to how they can help the small businesses they deal with in the
incubator program. He stated that they are only able to work with about 40 businesses at a time,
given their current staffing and resources. Nelson stated that whenever these organizations
have a need, the EDC is there for them. He talked about partnerships they have throughout the
corridor, including the John Pappajohn Centers, the Chambers, and other such organizations in
the state. Nelson also spoke to how the EDC generates a portion of their income each year for
services rendered to companies such as Rockwell Collins and Apache Hose and Belting.
Michal Eynon -Lynch with Pear Deck spoke next, stating that they are based out of the CoLab
space. This is their second education -based tech company, having started Active Grade in
2010. She noted that being former teachers, the group had no idea what they needed to do
when they began their first company. Eynon -Lynch stated that in working with EDC, they have
learned how to access State funding and grants and have been successful in working through
the contract process. She added that the EDC's support is invaluable.
Nelson then introduced some others in attendance, including John Slump and Jerry Garfield,
who started Corvida Medical. He noted briefly that the pair invented a medical device to be used
for the transfer of chemotherapy drugs. There is now about $8 million in this business and the
product was submitted to the FDA at the beginning of March of this year. He added that the
'med tech' industry is growing quickly. He then shared EDC's five-year plan. Davidson noted
that the staff is recommending approval to the full City Council for the requested amount, to be
pro -rated for this year, and to fund the full $25,000 in FY16 and recommend budgeting a
placeholder for $25,000 for FY17. Markus suggested it be conditioned upon Nelson and his
team coming back before the third year to report out accomplishments. Markus asked what the
annual $25,000 request is based on. Nelson stated that it is relative to the amount of money and
time that is being invested in this area. He added that he would have asked for $50,000, but
believes they should start small. He hopes to be granted $25,000 from Johnson County, too.
Nelson noted that they will come to the City Council yearly with a 'report card' of
accomplishments on the past year — how much capital was raised in Iowa City, how much work
was done in Iowa City itself. Markus spoke further to what he is trying to do here, noting that it
would be helpful for the City to have some type of 'predictors'to look at, to measure those
against what has actually taken place during the year. Nelson stated that this should not be a
problem and that he would be happy to supply this information.
EDC March 30, 2015 3
Preliminan
Mims stated that it sounds like EDC is working with an interesting array of businesses, and that
she agrees with Markus' request for yearly measures. She added that she would definitely be
supportive of this request. Hayek stated that he is also. He asked if EDC plans to continue to
office out of the CoLab. Nelson stated that they do, that it has worked out very well for them.
Markus spoke again to the work that EDC does, noting that he believes it makes sense for the
City to fund this three-year request. Mims spoke to this type of economic development work,
asking in general what else could they be doing to help promote entrepreneurship with lower
socioeconomic and/or minority communities, within the Iowa City community. She asked what
type of programming and outreach they could do to help those who are not finding the traditional -
type of blue collar jobs any longer. Markus stated that the issue of school boundaries plays into
this same argument, regarding opportunities for their population.
Payne moved to recommend the request to the full City Council for annual assistance of
$25,000 per year to EDC, Inc., prorated for this year, for a three-year period.
Hayek seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
CONSIDER A REQUEST TO UNDERWRITE ENTREFEST SPONSORSHIP OF $10,000:
Davidson noted that Members have a letter in their meeting packets from Amanda West,
regarding Entrefest's request. He added that staff feels very positively about Entrefest and that
past participation has reflected this. One of the things staff is attempting to do is to keep
Entrefest in Iowa City and to grow the event. Davidson stated that the request is for $10,000 and
that this can be budgeted through the economic development assistance fund. Mims stated that
the growth is impressive. She added that she likes the idea of trying to keep the festival here,
and the coordination between Iowa City and the University is a positive for that. Hayek asked
West how many venues they will be occupying during this fest. She responded that it is growing
this year already. They will be in the Sheraton, the hotel Vetro, the Library, the Englert, Film
Scene, and they have also had offers from McGladry, Midwest One, Beadology, and Eden, as
well as Clinton Street Social Club. Davidson stated that having the event in so many venues is a
win for downtown and makes it a better event overall. West added that they believe Iowa City is
perfect for this type of event, mainly due to how the downtown is structured. She stated that the
attendees last year stated that they really enjoyed being able to go outside and go from place to
place, and that the 'human scale' set-up of downtown makes it the perfect spot.
Hayek moved to approve the request from Entrefest for a sponsorship of $10,000.
Payne seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
STAFF UPDATES:
Telepharm parking incentive — Davidson noted that this will be their third parking arrangement
that has been successful in attracting or expanding business downtown. The Press -Citizen was
the first, and MetaCommunications the second. He noted that currently Telepharm has four
employees, with plans to ramp up to 10. In order to remain in downtown Iowa City, they have
asked for assistance with parking as they attempt to grow their business. Davidson noted that
Telepharm was provided four half-price parking passes; half-price is equal to $40/month and the
Parking Division will bill the Economic Development budget for the remaining $40/month. He
added that the jobs being created exceed the County median in terms of wages and benefits.
Staff is recommending the City offer up to a total of 10 half-price parking passes, for a period of
two years. Davidson further clarified some of the requirements of Telepharm in order for this
arrangement to work, noting that if maintained for three years, the subsidy would be forgiven.
EDC March 30, 2015 4
Preliminan
COMMITTEE TIME
Tracy Hightshoe stated that the Iowa SBA was accepting nominations for "Small Business
Community of the Year" and that staff submitted a nomination on behalf of Iowa City. She
shared a copy of the application with Members. Markus noted that when you start to read about
all of the things the City is doing for small businesses, it really shows how much is being done.
Davidson then spoke to a couple of renovation projects downtown for which the City has been
asked to help financially. He stated that they are still working out the details, but that one is on
the Whitey's building and the other is the Fieldhouse building. They hope to have these on an
agenda soon. Also occurring soon will be the City -initiated process for the rezoning that would
lead to the Chauncey project moving forward. Davidson also noted the Moss property project off
Highway 1 and Interstate 80. He stated things are starting to happen here, and that grading has
been taking place. Hayek noted that if and when anything comes forward on the Whitey's
building project, he would need to recuse himself from this conversation. Payne asked about
some funding that was approved about a year ago for a new restaurant. Davidson stated that
this did not come to fruition. Hightshoe noted that they pulled out of the deal at the last moment.
This would have been a CDBG funded project. Davidson also noted an article that was placed in
this meeting's packet regarding Cedar Rapids' TIF process.
roll r:l=1:A-11111.1 �
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Payne moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:55 P.M.
Hayek seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
EDC March 30, 2015 5
Preliminary
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014 - 2015
TERM
N
A
O
N
W
NAME
A
A
A
A
A
N
N
Michelle
01/02/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Payne
Matt
01/02/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hayek
Susan
01/02/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mims
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
r
-' CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Date: November 23, 2015
Re: 12/1/15 Agenda item #3, Request for funding; Riverside Theatre
Intro
Riverside Theatre has submitted a request to the City of Iowa City for $16,500 in funding
assistance for Fiscal Year 2017. The requested funding would be used for increased local and
regional awareness building through advertising, branding and signage, improvements to the
patron experience in the form of lighting, seating and carpeting, and to offset a portion of co-
production expenses in a new collaborative partnership.
History
An institution in the Northside Marketplace, the theater has been in existence for 35 years and
recently completed a succession plan, transitioning from founding partners and directors, Ron
Clark and Jody Hovland, to a new Artistic Director, Sam Osheroff, and Executive Director, long
time employee Jennifer Holan. Riverside is Iowa City's only resident professional theater. The
theater now employs a year-round staff of seven and each season hires dozens of artists. In
2013-14, 85 unique artists were hired, 72 of whom were Iowans and 13, non -Iowans. In 2014-
15, Riverside offered a total of 101 programmed events. Of those, 72 were regular season
events, 20 were shows in June and July and the remaining events were Theatre Talks and
Education classes. A non-profit, Riverside Theatre is largely supported by contributors. In 2014-
15, 55% of annual income came from contributions and sponsorships with earned income
making up the difference (which is typical for a regional theatre of this size).
The City funded the theatre for 3 years in FY13, 14 and 15 in the amounts of $30,000, $25,000
and $20,000 respectively, in large part to help offset losses of property and revenues post flood
of 2008. This request is for funding in FY17.
Solution
The Comprehensive Plan notes that Riverside Theater is a key part of our "small city with big
city arts and culture" and one of the organizations that adds to the vitality of the city. The comp
plan states a goal of recognizing the economic development potential of Arts and Culture for
Iowa City with specific strategies of increasing visibility and awareness of arts and culture
programs (IC2030: Comprehensive Plan Update, May, 2013).
Ensuring that Riverside Theatre continue as a viable arts business in Iowa City is also
consistent with the Central District Plan (updated in Oct. 2008), which calls for preserving and
promoting the unique aspects of and supporting the economic vitality of the Northside
Marketplace.
The City Council's 2014-15 Strategic Planning Priorities include three goals that relate directly to
supporting Riverside Theatre: striving for 1) healthy neighborhoods, 2) a strong urban core, and
3) engaging in strategic economic development activities.
Recommendation
Because this request for $16,500 financial assistance is aligned with the Comprehensive Plan,
the Central District Plan and the City Council Strategic Planning Priorities, staff recommends the
full funding request be considered by Council in the FY17 economic development budget.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Riverside Theater representatives will attend
your meeting, as well.
August 26, 2015
R I V E R S I D E Dear Tom and Wendy,
Thanks very much for making time to meet with us last week to
discuss our request for funding during the City's current fiscal year.
As you requested, we've drafted a budget for you to consider.
213 North Gilbert St.
We've prepared a request for $16,500, along with brief information
on the specific goals, strategies and tactics the proposed amount will
Iowa City, A 52245 support, as well as ways in which we hope to further leverage any
funding received. As we discussed in the meeting, these funds will
Box Office: (319) 338-7672 support change and growth, not general operating expenses.
Admin Office: (319) 887-1360 And on the topic of growth: Yesterday we had another encouraging
meeting with the institute of higher learning with which we're
Fax: (319) 887-1362 striving to form a new relationship. We're collaborating to document
a 3-year potential partnership, with year 1 beginning summer 2016.
info@riversidetheatre.org Our discussions include whether our potential partner can provide us
with a summer venue, and they seem very open to this idea. If we
www.riversidetheatre.org can make this happen, in the near term we'll have a solution —one
that provides greater seating capacity, additional marketing
exposure, new audience, an increased presence in the community,
and improved status as a destination event for people outside of the
immediate area. It's a massive opportunity.
The approval process on our partner's end involves many layers, but
each time we progress to another level we're met with excitement
about what RT can offer in partnership, as well. All signs seem to
point to this coming together, so we've approached our
budget/request to include support for getting this partnership off the
ground. We believe it's critical for them to see that we are invested.
Needless to say, we're open to revising our plans based on what's
feasible for the City's budget this year, and how the potential
partnership plays out. If we encounter difficulties we'll disclose them
immediately so we can identify appropriate next steps together.
We greatly appreciate your willingness to consider this request, and
the City's longtime partnership with RT. If you'd like discuss any of
this in person, say the word. We look forward to your feedback.
Sincerely,
O
Jennifer Holan, Executive Director Sam Osheroff, Artistic Director
Riverside Theatre
Proposed funding 2016
City of Iowa City
Proposed
Investment
Objective
Strategy
Amount
Funding Use
Additional Return
Design/produce vinyl banners for City lamp posts.
Design/create new Gilbert St. building signage,
Update and increase amount
and/or a mural, if permission secured (or similar
May be able to leverage this funding for a match
Enhance presence in Iowa City
of branding/signage
2,500
tactics).
(possibly four ICDD?)
Will leverage this funding for match from
Run print and online media to attract audience
educational partner. (Match may be venue for
from Des Moines, other points west of IC --primarily
summer programming, and/or additional
Make RT/IC a regional destination
Book non -local advertising
5,000
for summer season 2016.
marketing funds or exposure.)
This would match funding we've requested from
New lighting fixtures/electrical work in lobby;
CF1C. Will also explore patron match. Lobby
Improve Gilbert St. lobby and
upholstery for new lobby seating. New carpeting in
enhancements should also drive increased
Improve patron experience
theatre
2,500
theatre.
concession sales.
To offset a portion of estimated co -production
Collaborate with educational
expenses, including pre -professional actor salaries,
Will leverage this funding for match from
Growthrough
institution and co -produce
program management (additional hours from
educational partner. (Match may be venue for
partnerships/collaboration
plays
6,500
current RT part time/hourly staff)
summer programming.)
TOTAL
16,500
r
- . -4 CITY OF I O WA CITY
�MEMORANDUM
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Date: November 23, 2015
Re: 12/1/15Agenda item#4, Request for funding; Little Village
Intro
Little Village Magazine is requesting $7,908 in financial assistance to help with the relocation and
remodeling of an office location in Riverfront Crossings just north of the old Train Depot at 623 S.
Dubuque Street. Little Village will move their operations to the new location, collaborate with an artist in
residence for studio space and open a small retail shop with specialty items and gallery space for the
artist. Little Village employs six full-time employees in the creative fields of writing, editing, graphic design
and web design.
History
The building is an older office building that is also home to Her Soup Kitchen restaurant. Building owners
and Little Village Magazine owners have a strong interest in maintaining the charming older character of
that block of Riverfront Crossings and feel that attracting Little Village Magazine as a business tenant to
the neighborhood helps to do that.
The building co -owners, Steve and Suzanne Long and Little Village owner, Matt Steele plan to spend
almost $24,000 on building upgrades. A combination of energy efficiency upgrades (furnace, A/C,
windows and lighting) along with cosmetic improvements (paint, flooring and signage) will improve the old
building, add appealing and affordable new office space, and give a boost to the exterior appeal with a
modest budget.
Discussion
The economic development section of the Comprehensive Plan update (IC2030: May, 2013) states a goal
of encouraging a healthy mix of independent, locally owned businesses and national businesses, in part,
by recognizing that small and independently owned, local businesses are integral to Iowa City's "brand"
and sense of identity. Additionally, the plan states a goal of supporting entrepreneurial activity and
promoting an economic culture of innovation and collaboration among entrepreneurs and existing
businesses. To this end, Little Village will be sharing office/studio space with an artist -in -residence who
will also enjoy affordable space, be able to grow their business and collaborate on artistic projects for the
magazine.
The building is located in the Central Crossings sub district of the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan (Dec.
2012). Noted in the plan is a goal to maintain a moderate scale and intensity of use and to ensure that
office uses are available. Owners want to ensure this one-story office building stays a one-story office
building. Located just a few feet north of the historic Rock Island Depot building, its one-story size fits well
and will help maintain the moderate scale of the small commercial neighborhood there.
The City Council's 2014-15 Strategic Planning Priorities include three goals that relate directly to
supporting Little Village request: 1) healthy neighborhoods, 2) a strong urban core, and 3) engaging in
strategic economic development activities. Little Village has 6 full time people who desire to live and work
in a pedestrian -oriented neighborhood. The office building in this neighborhood helps to meet the goal of
healthy neighborhoods by ensuring there are places to work in the neighborhood. Being three blocks from
the center of downtown Iowa City, the project contributes to the goal of maintaining a strong urban core.
As the employer of what are largely creative industry jobs (writing, editing and design), investing in the
future of Little Village can be considered a strategic economic development activity.
Economic Development policies require that for consideration of economic development financial
assistance, the developer must contribute at least as much as the request from the City. In this case, the
building owner and the building tenant would pay 213 of the $23,725 and are requesting the other 1/3
($7,908) from the City.
Recommendation
Because this request for financial assistance is aligned with the Comprehensive Plan, the Central District
Plan and the City Council Strategic Planning Priorities staff recommends the funding request be granted
from FY16 Economic Development funds.
A L W A Y 5 F R E E
LITTLE VILLAGE
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Iowa City Economic Development Committee
c/o Wendy Ford
Dear Friends on the Iowa City Economic Development Committee:
Oct. 26, 2015
Exciting news: In November, Little Village will open anew office at 623 S Dubuque St, in Iowa City's Riverfront Cross-
ings district. Though we will be anew addition to the neighborhood, our hope is that this investment in older building
stock in that area will help Iowa City retain some of the original character of that block, as we believe aligns well with
the city's plans.
Nearly $24,000 in updates are currently underway, including exterior and interior repairs and updates, as well as the
addition of an artist studio — the first of its kind to open in the newly appointed arts -friendly district.
Commercial activity will include marketing and design services — currently employing six full time creative profession-
als and serving over 100 public and private organizations in the Iowa City area —with potential expansions into light
retail, art exhibition, or coffee service, depending on the changing demands of the neighborhood as it grows.
Here is a breakdown of known costs:
• Interior wall removal and remodel: $1500
• Exterior paint: $2000
• Energy efficient front door and windows: $3800
• High efficiency furnace/AC: $6000
• New flooring: $4500
• Exterior glass block repairs: $625
• Updated electric $1200
• High efficiency LED Lighting and ceiling tile replacement: $3100
• Interior painting: $1000
• Total: $23,725
Little Village and the building owners, ICBUR,LLC, request that the City partner with us to make these improvements,
jump-starting this exciting addition to the Riverfront Crossings district with a 1/3 share of expenses ($7908).
Thank you for your consideration,
Matthew Steele, Little Village
publisher@IittlevilIagemag.com
cell: 319-512-9395
Attached Images: Exterior "before" & "after," flooring samples
623 S Dubuque St.
EXTERIOR BEFORE & AFTER
FLOORING:
Main Area: slatted, char-
coal -hue, wood -grain
flooring will replace
outdated, heavily soiled
carpeting. (See "Pent
House" at left)
Offices: Green flooring
matching "LV green"
branding will deaden
sound in our primary work
spaces. (See "Pine
Needles" at right). New
white desks will brighten
the space.
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MEMORANDUM
CITY OF I O WA CITY
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Date: November 23, 2015
Re: 12/1/15 Agenda item #5, Request for funding; Creative Corridor Branding Sponsorship
Intro
The Creative Corridor brand was established a few years ago to promote the rich assets of the corridor to
four target market markets: a) companies located in, expanding in or moving to the corridor, b) current
residents and employees, c) potential residents and employees, and d) young college -educated residents
who are not place -bound. They are requesting $10,000 in FY16, 17 and 18.
History
The impetus for creating a regional brand stemmed from the idea that promoting the area along and at
either end of the 1-380/218 corridor between Washington and Benton counties, as opposed to each part
of the area individually, would have a larger impact on the regional and national appeal of the area.
The Creative Corridor campaign is a collaborative effort involving organizations from up and down the
corridor pledging annual contributions to continue the effort. The following is a list of contributing
organizations and their annual pledges.
Organization
Yearly Pledge
University of Iowa
$26,666.00
Kirkwood
$13,333.00
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
$5,000.00
Iowa City Chamber of Commerce
$2,500.00
Marion Chamber of Commerce
$1,000.00
City of North Liberty
$5,000.00
Iowa City Area Development Group
$5,000.00
East Central Iowa Council of
Governments
$1,500.00
City of Coralville
$7,500.00
City of Cedar Rapids
$10,000.00
MEDCO
$1,000.00
Economic Regions Grant
$17,000.00
Discussion
The website, www.iowascreativecorridor.com gives the public the big picture of the area while highlighting
aspects of each community. It gives employers information about the workforce and confidence that if
they bring jobs, there will be enough people to fill those jobs. The Creative Corridor job search page
at www.creativecorridor.co/lobs/ gives job seekers more than a dozen sources for searching for jobs in
the Corridor.
In the case of the Creative Corridor, the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. As a whole, the
region offers a larger laborshed from which to attract employees; as a whole, the region offers
neighborhoods and communities from rural to urban; as a whole, the region offers cultural amenities on
par with any of the big Midwest metros, and because of that, the region is able to be more competitive in
attracting businesses and families to the Corridor.
The updated Comprehensive Plan states several economic development goals including continued
collaboration with other local organizations to promote economic development in Iowa City. To achieve
this, one strategy is to continue to work with the Iowa City Area Development Group (a key partner in the
Iowa's Creative Corridor collaboration) as the lead economic development agency in the area. Other
strategies include coordination with the University of Iowa, the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce,
and other organizations to attract new businesses and grow existing ones.
Recommendation
Staff recommends funding Iowa's Creative Corridor $10,000 this fiscal year from the Economic
Development fund and for budgeting funding in FY17 and 18.
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April 21, 2015
Tom Markus, City Manager
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Tom:
On behalf of the Corridor Business Alliance, I am writing to request the support of the City of Iowa City
toward the regional branding efforts of Iowa's Creative Corridor. Your support will assist us in building
internal and external audience communication and engagement within the region.
We are excited about the potential three year commitment of $10,000 annually. If you agree, we would
invoice your organization $10,000 on July 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Thanks for your consideration of our
request. Please feel free to contact me at 319.398.5525 if you have any questions.
Cordially,
44t V
Kim Becicka
Vice President
Continuing Education & Training Services
Corridor Business Alliance
Attn: Kirkwood Community College
Kim Becicka, Vice President
Continuing Education & Training Services Division
PO Box 2068
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068
(319)398-5548
BILL TO:
City of Iowa City
Attn: Tom Markus
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
INVOICE
July 1, 2015
Payment Due upon Receipt
Description
Total
Creative Corridor Branding Sponsorship
$10,000.00
First Installment of Three:
Second Billing: July 2016
Third Billing: July 2017
I
TOTAL DUE:
j $10,000.00
Please make check payable to Kirkwood Community College. Mail payment and copy of invoice
to: Karen Friederich, Kirkwood Community College, PO Box 2068, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068.
Thank You!
Iowa's Creative Corridor
Regional Marketing/Branding Campaign
CreativeCorridor.co Website Redesign and Hosting
Timeframe: August, 2014 to July, 2017
Three Year Annual Commitment
The Value Proposition
Iowa's Creative Corridor boasts rich assets in science, technology, art and culture.
Rated as one of the top five most educated metro areas in the nation, the corridor is
centrally located between Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City and Omaha.
Rich cultural experiences can be found minutes away from anywhere in the
corridor. A trail system weaves throughout multiple cities and communities. An
indescribable Midwestern spirit and welcoming nature create a strong foundation
for relationships between residents and newcomers.
Iowa's Creative Corridor (and its helix mark and brand) defines a competitive stance
and delivers immediate value. We Create Here focuses on the entrepreneurial spirit
of the region, and represents a tag line or theme. Iowa's Creative Corridor is the
umbrella brand, and We Create Here compliments this brand.
A Critical Look at Benefit -driven Market Segments
Iowa's Creative Corridor underscores the value proposition for the private sector
and sends a strong positioning message to community members and visitors. The
following target markets are the focus of the regional marketing campaign:
• Companies located in the corridor, expanding in the corridor or moving to
the corridor
• Current residents and employees
• Potential residents and employees
• Young college -educated residents who are not place -bound
The four segments above will allow us to engage the private sector, and develop key
communications to stay on message to the entire region. A strong partnership with
the Corridor Business Alliance* and Corridor Alliance* will support the regional
marketing efforts.
Four Focus Areas
Engagement of audiences: Lists for the four segments, create an online
registration form for others to easily to join a list, and engage the audience by
connecting content from the following sources:
• The original website (including stories/videos that have already been
produced)
• The Cedar Rapids Gazette
• The Corridor Business Journal
• Other regional news outlets including TV and radio
• Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services
• Regional chambers and CVBs
• The region's economic development organizations
• Kirkwood Community College
• Kirkwood Small Business Development Center
• University of Iowa Small Business Development Center
• John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
• Cultural and arts sites such as Iowa Cultural Corridor Arts and NewBo
• Empowered Professionals of Iowa City
• NextGen Summit
• ImpactCR
• Current and past Leadership for Five Seasons classes
• Other regional colleges
• Health Care/wellness initiatives such as the Blue Zones project, the
MedQuarter, University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa Health System and Mercy
Medical Center
• Service clubs such as Rotary or Kiwanis
• K-12 school districts
Engagement with the brand: Make branding materials and elevator speeches
available. Create downloadable materials/web order forms for companies,
organizations and individuals who are willing to participate in grassroots
messaging.
Engage with Regional Brand contributors through:
• Engagement in collateral for the website and calendar events
• Strategic use of the brand for workforce recruitment and community
recruitment
• Suggestions for regional marketing ideas, venues, and visibility
Develop a priority list of private sector employers/partners to engage with the
brand through:
• Strategic use for recruitment
• Use of the collateral
• Suggestions for brand locations or ways to showcase the brand in the region
• Engagement with regional marketing and PR firms to assist private
enterprise incorporate the brand