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May 2017 Newsletter
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Tune Into Tourism Month

May is Tourism Month!  ACED's radio ads focus on Allamakee County’s top 4:  Effigy Mounds National Monument, Yellow River State Forest, Driftless Area Scenic Byway (voted #1 most scenic byway in Iowa), and Great River Road (36 miles of amazing).  The radio ad will play on KNEI and KQ-98 in May. This ad is a great reminder for all of us to get out and discover what's in our backyard and to promote Allamakee County to friends, family and beyond.

Radio Ad:
Hi, this is Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism. Allamakee County is a great place to live, work and play! For those who love to “play” - experience Effigy Mounds National Monument, Yellow River State Forest, Great River Road, and Driftless Area Scenic Byway - right here in Allamakee County. Come on, it’s time to play in Allamakee County! Go to www.allamakeecounty.com or follow us on Facebook for more ways to play!

Call our office today, if you need tourist information or a re-fresher tourism training for you and your staff!

 Upcoming Festivals 

  • May 18, Taste of Lansing, 4-7 p.m.
  • June 5, Allamakee County Dairy Days Parade, Waukon, 7:30 p.m.
  • June 16-18, Big 4 Fair, Postville
  • July 19-23, Allamakee County Fair, Waukon
  • July 22-29 RAGBRAI
  • July 29-Aug 5, Great River Rumble
  • August 11-13, Lansing Fish Days, Lansing
  • August 18-19, Corn Days, Waukon
  • September 23, Driftless Area Big Pumpkin Contest, Lansing

Brochure Rack Updates

  • Visit Bluff Country 2017-2018 
    • SE Minnesota, NE Iowa, SW Wisconsin and NW Illinois
  • Eastern Iowa Tourism Travel Guide 2017
  • Good Times Routes 
    • Motorcycle routes touring NE Iowa, SE Minnesota & SW Wisconsin
 


 
Workforce Summit
7 Rivers Alliance is hosting a Workforce Summit on May 31st. See the numbers, understand the obstacles, be a part in the solution.  This directly relates to WISE Plan our office has been participating in. 
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-workforce-summit-tickets-33341839339

Preserving, Enhancing, and Promoting
NE IA Historical Treasures
NE IA RC&D is hosting this workshop on May 9th at Upper Iowa University. If you are involved with any historical treasure, you need to attend. Call Eden Ehm for details!  ACED will be attending, if you are interested in ride sharing.
Details here:
https://northeastiowarcd.org/historic-workshop/

Yum! Taste of Lansing is coming!
 
Travel to Lansing Main Street  to pick up your passport on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 4:30 -7:30 p.m.. There will be more than 30 stops.  Meet the owners and staff downtown Lansing.  Check out the business.  Enjoy Taste of Lansing!
 
Family Wellness Fair
 
Veterans Memorial Hospital will hold their annual “Family Wellness Fair” on Wednesday, May 10, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the hospital.  More than 40 exhibitors will be on site with games and activities for the entire family.  A health fair will include numerous free health tests and information. Entertainment, refreshments and many door prizes will be included.  This is our 20th annual wellness fair so we will be celebrating with some added attractions including a photo booth, a dunk tank and specials guests Chuck Long, the new Director of the Iowa Sports Foundation and the Director of Live Healthy Iowa will both be here throughout the evening.  This fun-filled family event is free and open to all members of the community of any age. 
 
Seeking:  Eagle's Nest Locators
 
 

ACED is collecting Eagle Nest locations within the county.  If you are aware of an eagle's nest that can be seen from the road, you have the location or GPS coordinates, as well as any landmarks in close proximity, ACED would greatly appreciate this information.  Allamakee County visitors love to check out the eagles!   Email  info to Terri at acedrecep@gmail.com or call 563-568-2624.


Provide a Link in Career Learning Link

ACED encourages all businesses to sign up to be involved in the Career Learning Link program offered through NICC. This is a direct way to work with the schools and students about opportunities for work in Northeast Iowa. Yes, it is a  great way to attract future workforce!

Mentors are another piece of the Career Learning Link program.  Many thanks to Nancy Everman for serving in the mentorship program in Allamakee School District and Val Reinke for serving in Eastern Allamakee School District. Please consider serving as a mentor in Postville School District…be the missing link!

You can find more information here:
https://www.nicc.edu/careerlearninglink/
 
Blogging - Just do it! 
 
Join the Turkey River Recreational Corridor and GoodBlogs for a seminar all all about blogging on Imagine Northeast Iowa!

Whether you want to write great content or read great content, Imagine Northeast Iowa is for you.

Imagine Northeast Iowa is a place for residents of the region to come together and write about all things related to the area.  The beauty, the culture, the restaurants, the uniqueness, the people...the sky's the limit.  Imagine Northeast Iowa is a great platform to feature your own passions and ideas, and get in touch with your neighbors. Imagine Northeast Iowa covers the people, places, ideas and events of Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties. 

Whether you are a resident or business owner, you won't want to miss this hour long session to learn how to take advantage of this free tool!
 
DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 24th, 2017
Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Location: The Irish Shanti (Gunder, Iowa)
 
If you need to talk to Mallory, go here:
https://northeastiowarcd.org/contact/
 
On a related blogging note, blogger JayJay will be in Allamakee County with his Iowa Gallivant Team the 2nd weekend of June.  ACED is very excited about this opportunity to reveal what makes Allamakee County spectacular.

Want to read the blog, check it our here:
https://theiowagallivant.com/
 

 
Image result for what happened pictures  
 
Pedaling Fast
Waukon hosted a community meeting on April 18 with more than 200 in attendance. The theme and logo were announced as well as the major entertainment.  Questions were focused on vending, camping, and logistics.  
 
Postville hosted a community meeting on April 25 with 40 in attendance.  Questions were focused on route and vending.

Waterville will be hosting a community meeting in May. Waterville is focusing on a large crowd for breakfast.

Harpers Ferry is hosting a community meeting on May 1.

Lansing hosted a community meeting on March 16 with 100 in attendance. The theme was announced at Lansing Main Street’s annual meeting. The logo will be announced soon. Lansing is busy planning for more than 1000 campers the Friday night before RAGBRAI and 300 campers on the final Saturday, as well as, organizing the main dip site and providing celebration as the ending town.  Do you feel creative with bicycle parts, read here:  https://www.waukonstandard.com/articles/2017/04/26/ragbrai%C2%AE-allamakee-county
 
            Great Impressions Required

As we face a very busy tourism season, Northeast Iowa Tourism Association hosted a customer service training for the 6-county area at NICC-Calmar. Everything takes practice - even making a great impression!  Thank you to the 40 attendees!  This event was in partnership with Eastern Iowa Tourism, Travel Iowa, NICC, NEITA, and Iowa State Extension.
 
Housing Study Update

Alliant Energy and Black Hills Energy have both committed $2000 each to the county wide housing study. ACED is currently working with the Realtor Association for a grant to complete the gap. The goal is to begin community meetings late summer/early fall.
 
Collaboration, Connecting the Dots, Communication

The Community/Business Sector Board met Friday, April 21. The meeting brought together Project Lead the Way/CTE teachers in 4 school districts, as well as, business members from each sector (Business, Human Services, Health Sciences, STEM, Information Technology, and Ag, ) This was a great opportunity to share information, give feedback, and network.

The group will meet again on June 14.  Do you want to get involved with this sector board?  Call ACED and find out more about the sector board.
 
 
MOTHER'S DAY  -  MAY 14th

Get ready for the fourth annual Great Give Day, an online day of giving that brings community members together for 24 hours to celebrate and support local nonprofits. From 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., on Thursday, May 11, 2017 every gift you make to nonprofits here at www.GreatGiveDay.org will help your favorite organizations qualify for additional match dollars and prizes.  Last year, Great Give Day raised nearly $370,000 for 114 area nonprofits in just one day!  You can even schedule your gifts ahead of time this year or make donations throughout the day.
 
Take time on May 11th to make a difference in your community!

Please share this newsletter with your staff & clientele! If you have feedback on our newsletter, please call Val Reinke directly at 563-568- 2624.


Events
Monday, May 1
 Be a Part of Small Business Week
 Children’s Book Week! - Robey Memorial Library
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Golf Cart renewal - Harpers Ferry
 May Breakfast - Zion United Church of Christ, Waukon
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
 Waterville City Council Meeting
 Waukon City Council Meeting
Harpers Ferry Ragbrai  Community Meeting

Tuesday, May 2
 Be a Part of Small Business Week
 Children’s Book Week! - Robey Memorial Library
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Stay & Play, Robey Memorial Library
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Wednesday, May 3
 Be a Part of Small Business Week
 Children’s Book Week! - Robey Memorial Library
 Brown Bag 'n' Books, Robey Membrial Library
 Prohibition- Lansing Library

Thursday, May 4
 Be a Part of Small Business Week
Children’s Book Week! - Robey Memorial Library
 Hook & Needle Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
Allamakee County ATV/UTV Club meeting - Buzzards, New Albin


Friday, May 5
 Be a Part of Small Business Week
Children’s Book Week! - Robey Memorial Library
 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - Empty Nest Winery
 One Week—One Book Ice Cream Party w/ Dairy Princess - Robey Memorial Library

Saturday, May 6
 Be a Part of Small Business Week
 Children’s Book Week! - Robey Memorial Library
 5th Annual In to the Wild and Out with the Mustard! - Ellingson Bridge Dr. and Red Bud Dr. Decorah, IA
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Camping Kickoff - Little Paint Campground inside of Yellow River State Forest.
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Waukon Spring Clean Up

Sunday, May 7
 Chicken Q - St. John’s UCC Wheatland (rural New Albin)
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - Empty Nest Winery
Kee High Graduation - Lansing IA

Monday, May 8
 Beginning Farmers Networking Event
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Harpers Ferry City Council Meeting
 New Albin City Council Meeting
 Postville City Council Meeting
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
 Essential Oils Informational Meeting "How To's" - New Albin Townhouse

Tuesday, May 9
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Author Event: Robert Wolf - Robey Memorial Library
 Library Board Meeting - Robey Memorial Library
 NEIA RC&D Historic Workshop – Upper Iowa University, Fayette Iowa
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Wednesday, May 10
 Family Wellness Fair - Veterans Memorial Hospital

Thursday, May 11
 Fourth Annual Great Give Day - online
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library

Friday, May 12
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Reg. DUE for Kids in the Kitchen day camp (Aug)! - New Albin

Saturday, May 13
 Amish Quilt Auction
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 City-wide garbage pick-up of large items - Harpers Ferry
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Farm Tour & Potluck-Low Oaks Farm
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Mother's Day Brunch - Waukon First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, May 14
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 Mother's Day Champagne Brunch - Empty Nest Winery
Waukon High Graduation - Waukon IA

Monday, May 15
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 City-wide pick-up of large appliances- Harpers Ferry
 Lansing City Council Meeting
 TAB (Teen Advisory Board) - Robey Memorial Library
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
 Waukon City Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 16
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Amish Haystack Supper - Waukon Banquet Center
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Thursday, May 18
 Auxiliary Euchre Marathon - Waukon Wellness Center
 Book Sale - Robey Memorial Library
 Night Book Club: Classic - Robey Memorial Library
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Taste of Lansing - Downtown Lansing
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library

Friday, May 19
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 U.S. Armed Forces Week Dance - Vets Club Waukon

Saturday, May 20
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
 
Sunday, May 21
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing

Monday, May 22
 Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
 Unemployment Outreach Representative
 Harpers Ferry Area Heritage Society (HFAHS) - American Legion hall Everyone is invited.
      (Bring a friend and hear about plans for the "Oil Springs School")

Tuesday, May 23
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 After School with Ross - Robey Memorial Library
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Wednesday, May 24
 Deadline to register for VBS - Old East Paint Creek Lutheran
Good Blogs Seminar - Irish Shanti, Gunder  (see info above under education)

Thursday, May 25
 Free Class: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body- Robey Memorial Library
 Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library

Friday, May 26
 Memorial weekend Luau Party - Empty Nest Winery
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Lansing Lions Club Annual Brat Roast - Lansing IGA

Saturday, May 27
 Memorial weekend Luau Party - Empty Nest Winery
 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing

Sunday, May 28
 Memorial weekend Luau Party - Empty Nest Winery
 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
 Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, Lansing
Postville High Graduation - Postville IA

Monday, May 29
 Memorial weekend Luau Party - Empty Nest Winery
 FREE COMM. MEAL in WAUKON - First Presbyterian Church
 Fresh Conversations - Waukon Wellness Center
 Robey Memorial Library CLOSED
 Unemployment Outreach Representative

Tuesday, May 30
 Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
 Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library

Wednesday, May 31
Workforce Summit (pre-register - see above for link) 
 

Visit http://www.allamakeecounty.com/calendar-of-events.html   for more information/details on the above events.
Copyright © 2018 ACED, All rights reserved.


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