Greetings, Members!
Looking Forward to a Terrific 2024!
Calendar of Events: We have a fun, full year planned. Our calendar of events is posted on our facebook page and at wiltoniowa.org.
Window Walk: After a great success with the scavenger hunt using the children’s book Bear Stays up for Christmas, we are partnering with Wilton Public Library again. In December 2024, the books will be related to Cindy Lou Who and Max from How the Grinch Stole Christmas! with a Window Walk theme of Whoville.
Annual Member Luncheon
January 10 was a snowy day, but that didn’t stop us from celebrating a great year of fun community events and economic progress in 2023 at the annual member luncheon.
Pastor Patrick Slessor said grace before the meal, Jeff Horne thanked Jeff’s Market for catering the chicken alfredo meal. He also thanked Blooming Ideas, LorLen Candles, Antiques & Gifts, and Niche, Etc. for loaning the wonderful centerpieces.
New WCDA officers are Scott Vieten, President; Monika Verdinez, Vice President; and Jeff Horne, Past President. Jeff thanked Bill Vetter, a director who had left the Board.
Mayor Keith Stanley gave the City of Wilton 2023 report. A video put together by Ted Marolf was shown with footage from the alumni plays put on at Founders Day and Window Walk from 2016 to the present. These plays revitalize the community and make use of a refurbished historic building downtown.
Becky Allgood gave the Wilton Chamber & Development Alliance 2023 report, re-capping the year’s events and accomplishments and welcoming new businesses, including Century Fence.
WCDA presented the Outstanding Business Award to Hy-Line North America for being great supporters of Chamber & Development, the Wilton community and Wilton events. The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to the Wilton Public Library for their great ideas and help with multiple events. Outgoing President Jeff Horne received the Gavel Award for his leadership in improving community infrastructure.
The Vice President of Century Fence, Mike Grzybowski, drove through snow from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, in the wee hours of the morning to be at our luncheon and speak about the company. Jason Calvert of Muscatine, who will be the Wilton Sales Manager, also spoke. Both said that Century Fence is committed to Wilton and that they felt it was the perfect location for their needs.
2024 Membership
Dues/Sponsorship donation: We have received 2024 membership dues donations and sponsorship contributions from most of our 2023 members. Many thanks, and we will be sending out a second letter soon. Please send in your 2024 dues donation, and we hope you will also be a sponsor, too!
In Other News
Wilton post prom baked good auction: Wilton High School Gym, Tuesday, February 9, 6-9 pm
Bid on your favorite baked good during the varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball games! Winners will be able to collect their baked good at the end of the boys’ game.
Live United Celebration Luncheon: You are invited to United Way of Muscatine's 70th Anniversary Live United Celebration Luncheon from 11:30 am-1 pm on February 20, 2024, at the Merrill Hotel Ballroom. United Way of Muscatine will recognize the extraordinary work being done in our community, as well as individuals and organizations who are making an incredible impact through volunteerism and charitable giving in Muscatine County. A light lunch will be provided at no charge. Please RSVP to Hilary Henke at hilary@unitedwaymuscatine.org by Feb. 2 if you plan to attend.
Legislative forum: A legislative forum is slated for Saturday, March 2, 2024, 9-10 am at the Community Room (west end of City Hall).
Calling all employers: The Mississippi Valley Workforce Development Board is conducting research on how local companies are incorporating the Good Job Principles into their business practices to attract and retain talent, stay competitive in their market, and establish thriving workplaces.
Taking the survey will not only contribute to our understanding of Job Quality in Iowa's Mississippi Valley, but will help us inform and adapt workforce services to better meet your business needs. Visit www.tinyurl.com/EmployerJQA to take the survey today.
Request for Proposals: The Mississippi Valley Workforce Development Board is seeking competitive proposals from public or private agencies or other entities with the capacity and expertise to provide Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker Services, Title I Youth Services, and Title I One-Stop Operator Services. More information can be located at the following link: https://www.mississippivalleyworkforce.org/rfp
Iowa Business Owners: Please be aware of federal reporting requirements that took effect on January 1, 2024 that may require you to report your business entity's beneficial ownership information to the federal government. Learn more about these requirements and review informational materials by visiting the dedicated webpage maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at www.fincen.gov/boi.