JEDCO News

Economic Development Subcommittee
The Johnston City Council has established an Economic Development Subcommittee to work on various policies and incentives that would encourage development in Johnston.  Members of the Subcommittee are Council members Jon Kallen and Richard Tingley.  In the coming weeks they will be working with City Manager Jim Sanders to develop recommendations for the full Council.  If you have ideas and suggestions please share them with the Subcommittee members.  Their contact information is posted on the City web site at http://www.cityofjohnston.com/boards/council.php.

Merle Hay Road Redevelopment.
This same City subcommittee for economic development is working to develop an action plan for implementing some initial phases of the Merle Hay Road redevelopment plan.  Initial steps may focus on updating the Johnston comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances to permit the types of development envisioned by the plan.  They will also be exploring updates to programs such as tax increment financing which may be needed to stimulate development activity and overcome obstacles to redevelopment, e.g. reconfiguration of infrastructure such as sewers and access roads.  More updates on these topics are expected in the coming weeks.

JEDCO 2008 Events
As we enter the heart of summer the preparations for several upcoming activities are underway.

• Tour 2008!  The success of this event in recent years compels us to do it again.  This year our annual tour is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2008.  The plans call for an afternoon tour followed by a informal reception.  Developers and members - get your materials ready soon!

• Regional Issue Forum.  JEDCO will once again join with the development organizations from Grimes, Urbandale and Dallas County to host an occasional Issue Forum to discuss development issues of mutual concern.  Planning is underway for the next Forum to be held in the fall of 2008. 

Challenging Times
Johnston and the Des Moines Metro area are not immune to the effects of recent economic events including $4.00+ gas, and the strain in the housing and financial markets.  But we are fortunate to be the home of strong companies which directly and indirectly are benefiting from some strong sectors in the agricultural economy.  We should not take these assets for granted and we look forward to working with our existing industry base and the City of Johnston to keep our local economy strong.

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Johnston Chamber Luncheon

Date:  Thursday, September 25,  2008

Location: Hyperion Field Club
Time:  11:45am 

Topic: Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Center Update
Speaker: Greg Edwards, President
Business of the Month:  Ryan Companies Construction

Cost: $15.00 with an RSVP, $20.00 at the door.  RSVP to the Chamber office at 276-9064 by Tuesday, September 23 , 2008.  You may also RSVP by sending an email to

heather@growjohnston.com

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Upcoming Community Events
Looking ahead, a few events of interest to Chamber and JEDCO members have been announced.  These include:
 

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Lunch & Learn-Business Innovation Zone
Date: Tuesday, July 22,  2008
Time: 11:30-1:00pm
Location: Johnston Chamber Office
                       5408 NW 88th St., Suite 120
                       Johnston, IA  50131
Cost: FREE or $5.00 if you would like the Chamber to purchase a sack lunch for you
Topic: Business Innovation Zone
Speaker: Mike Colwell

Mike Colwell is poised to help entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and business leaders support and grow new opportunities in Central Iowa.

As Executive Director of the Business Innovation Zone (The BIZ), Mike’s mission to connect entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources and to provide guided professional and business direction. The BIZ helps entrepreneurs maximize their success by helping them navigate resources, strengthen knowledge, improve skills, form strategic alliances, and secure proper capitalization.

Mike brings 20+ years of experience bringing new products to market, developing new market niches, and building vertical market solutions to his role at The BIZ.

He has an extensive background in Mobile Computing, Wireless Communications and Auto ID technologies including RFID.  Mike led the team that created the first wireless mobile computer that was the forerunner to devices such as Palm Treo and Motorola Q. 

Please RSVP by Friday, July 18,  2008 to the Chamber at 276-9064 or email heather@growjohnston.com  Please indicate if you would like a sack lunch for $5.00 at time of reservation.

Ambassador Meeting to Launch a new Committee Structure for 2009!!
Date: Thursday, July 17,  2008
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Trostel's Greenbriar

Chamber Night at Principal Park
Date: Thursday, July 31,  2008
Time: Tailgate at 5:30pm and Game at 7:05pm
Location: Principal Park
Cost: $3.00 Includes tailgate!!

There will be brats, hot dogs, chips, ice cream and soda!  All on a first come, first serve basis.

It's great fun for all ages!  Bring your family, friends and co-workers!

To get tickets please contact the Chamber at 276-9064 or email heather@growjohnston.com