COMMENTARY:
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Hilltop Campus Village Corporation. It was approved by the Main Street Iowa program in May 2009 and operations began following the formation of a board of directors, their appointment of a director in August, and technical training for volunteers in September and October.
We have all observed gratifying progress in efforts to revitalize our commercial corridors and seen increasing levels of quality reinvestment. Much of this has occurred as a result of partnerships being formed - with the area churches, colleges and universities, existing and new businesses, commercial property owners, the school district, multiple city departments, social agencies and interested volunteers who know that the successful encouragement of quality reinvestment helps enhance surrounding neighborhoods.
OVERVIEW:
Main Street Iowa recently put out their Cumulative Report Totals, an economic impact report that shows a running total of reinvestment and job creation in each of the 52 Iowa districts since they became part of the Main Street Iowa network. While the results vary considerably by size of community and by how long the communities have been in the program, a look back 5 year shows some compelling data:
Among districts less than 25 years old, the Hilltop Campus Village is 2nd among all districts in private sector investment in rehabilitation, 7th in number of buildings rehabilitated, and 3rd in private sector dollars invested in acquisition. This doesn't include public sector investments in street resurfacing, curb repair, sidewalk upgrades, street lights and the other many things done to enhance the area by our city.
If these trends continue, we can look forward to more businesses, more customers coming to shop at those businesses and more employment opportunities in those businesses as they grow.
HAPPENINGS OF NOTE
Of particular interest to the businesses and institutions in the Hilltop Campus Village. The City of Davenport has been studying the potential of a possible city-wide broadband service and are looking for more input from businesses in our area as to what they might want to see out of such an offering. They have had a lot of residential participation, but need to hear from businesses too. This survey will run through Jan. 5. The link to the background info and the survey is:
https://www.davenporttoday.com/business/business-stories/tell-davenport-what-you-want-from-the-internet . Let them hear from you!
There will be a Lydia Home meeting on Tuesday Dec 30th at 7 p.m., at the Lydia Home, 1431 Ripley Street. This informal monthly gathering is an excellent forum for neighbors and citizens to work with police and others to address concerns in the area and gather information. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Joyce Klopp at 563 322 0382.
The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is promoting VENTURE SCHOOL, a 6-week program for persons with a marketable idea, designed to accelerate the business startup process while increasing a person's chance for success. The program is offered through a partnership between the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, The University of Iowa John Poppajohn Entrerpreneurial Center, and Ignite Quad Cities, a component of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Information sessions will be held Thursday January 15 at noon and 5:30pm at the Quad Cities Chamber in downtown Davenport. Learn more and apply online at venture-school.com.
WORK GROUP SESSIONS
The four work groups that make things happen in our area deal with Design, Organization, Economic Restructuring and Promotion. All meet monthly and are open to the public. Persons wishing to learn more about these groups may do so by asking the director or a volunteer, by coming to the meetings as listed below and by visiting www.hilltopcampusvillage.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
o Meeting time: Third Thursday of the month (January 15), 5:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village office conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301
§ Reviewing Mission and Vision statements
§ Action Plan updates from Work Groups
§ Consideration of grant program for signage proposal
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
o Meeting time: Second Monday of the month (January 12), 4:00 pm., Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301
§ Prioritization of Org. Work Group 2015 Action Plan initiatives
§ 1028 Harrison Street property update
§ Main Street Iowa Business Innovation Challenge Grant (Studio Start up phase 1) update
DESIGN COMMITTEE
o Meeting time: Third Monday of the month (January 19), 5:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301
§ Design Review Board update
§ Prioritize Design Work Group 2015 Action Plan initiatives
§ Information column/public art update
PROMOTION COMMITTEE
o Meeting time: Second Tuesday (January 13), 4:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301
§ Prioritization of Promotion Work Group 2015 Action Plan initiatives
§ Comprehensive Promotion Strategy development
§ Review of CHS presentation of December 18
§ Interest in Cupid Comes to the Hilltop
§ Start of planning for Altar Crawl in May
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE
o Meeting time: Third Wednesday, (January 21) noon, Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301
§ Prioritization of Economic Restructuring 2015 Action Plan initiatives
§ Bus shelter progress
§ New businesses and redevelopment plans
§ Needs survey for Hilltop Campus Village
The Hilltop Campus Village is a not for profit organization dedicated to restoration, redevelopment and revitalization of the area. Questions, comments and suggestions may be addressed by contacting the Hilltop Campus Village office at 563-322-8293 or hcvscott@gmail.com or board members.
