Main Street Minute       Ron Reischl

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? The many reasons include past and current generations who invested in Manning’s future. Their investments of time and money helped make Manning the vibrant community it is today.
    Last week, I was blessed with the presence of my 16 month old granddaughter. In retrospect, it truly was refreshing….  Manning, as a small community, is also refreshing. It is not perfect……..it is refreshing. The pace of life, lack of traffic and caring neighbors are truly a difference maker. Caring neighbors include our local Rotary club. Saturday evening they raised scholarship monies for high school students. Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) was a sellout and huge success. Kudos to the Manning Rotary! The volunteers and the 275 people who attended are an example of Manning’s community spirit! Manning’s Fire Department was recognized at DWTS Saturday night. They are an exceptional group of volunteers and their dedication to their duties is amazing. They serve as our guardians around the clock. THANKS to y’all!!
    Main Street Manning is seeking to replicate the success of DWTS.  We will sponsor the “Main Event” this fall on November 16^th.  The Main Event will feature local teams (business, family, friends) pitted against each other in a Family Feud format.  Imagine the hospital administration against the PCE engineers or a high school team against the city staff.  The event is designed to be fun and entertaining!
    Have you seen the new banners on Main Street?  WOW! As part of our Manning It’s Refreshing campaign, they add color and an exciting new look to our downtown district. Fifteen additional banners are available for purchase.  Downtown revitalization has gone into full gear.  The architect met with building owners last week.  It will be interesting for all of us to follow the changes to the downtown historic buildings this summer!
    Help us advertise Manning by putting a Manning It’s Refreshing cling/sticker on your vehicle! They, along with Manning It’s Refreshing coozies, are all available free in the MSM office.Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??  It is due to our businesses, our volunteers and residents of the surrounding area. The sense of community goes beyond the city limits and includes our local farmers and all those who live in our rural areas. For further information on any of the above, contact Colleen at the Main Street Manning office at (712) 655-6246 or mainstmanning@mmctsu.com. 

Main Street Minute         Ron Reischl

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? The many reasons include past and current generations who invested in Manning’s future. Their investments of money and time helped make Manning the vibrant community it is today.
    Manning is a community that gets things done.  That tradition will continue in 2013.  As part of our branding campaign, twenty-two branding banners will be installed on Main Street light poles soon.  They will be a colorful marketing addition to our downtown.  Fifteen more will be sold and installed by Kinderfest.  Architectural work has started on the $500,000 downtown revitalization.  Individual meetings will be held with building owners this week.  Construction will be completed in the fall.  Main Street Manning (MSM) is partnering with the city of Manning to pursue a $1.6 million forgivable loan for multi-family housing. The money, with private investments, will be used to build four duplex rental units.
    The Rotary’s Dancing with the Stars event will be held this weekend.  It has been a huge success. MSM intends to repeat that success with its own event on Nov 16th.  Like the Rotary event, it is designed to be an annual fun, entertaining event.  The event will feature local talent in a Family Feud type setting.  It will feature local groups and companies pitted against each other in a battle of wits!!!  Watch for further information in this column and in Monitor advertising.
    We have other ideas that are being developed.  MSM is only one of the numerous community/religious organizations working towards the betterment of our hometown. Please consider volunteering!
    The Manning website (www.ManningIa.com) has received many accolades. We have numerous ideas for improvement in 2013. We hope to complete many of the improvements by February 15^th. Help us advertise Manning by putting a Manning It’s Refreshing cling/sticker on your vehicle! They, along with Manning It’s Refreshing coozies, are all available free in the MSM office.
    Consider the positive impacts of another trust fund for Manning. The Refresh Manning Trust Fund is designed to be an investment in Manning’s future. Manning community members, Manning alumni and the local agricultural sector are encouraged to invest in Manning with your gift. An individual can put their stamp – and maybe even their name – on Manning’s future. Please give consideration to Manning’s future generations. They include your children and grandchildren and those of your siblings, fellow alumni, friends and neighbors. Checks can be made to Community Foundation of Carroll County – Refresh Manning and mailed to CFCC, c/o Iowa Savings Bank, PO Box 967, Carroll, Ia  51401.

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??  It is due to our businesses, our volunteers and our entire surrounding area. The sense of community goes beyond the city limits. It includes our local farmers and all those who live in our rural areas. For further information on any of the above information, contact the Main Street Manning office at (712) 655-6246, mainstmanning@mmctsu.com or Ron Reischl at (712) 782-4951 or cabinron@hotmail.com. 

Man Street Minute     Ron Reischl
Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? The many reasons include past and current generations who invested in Manning’s future. Their investments of money and time helped make Manning the vibrant community it is today.
    Manning is a community that gets things done. The first C3 event, a new Habitat for Humanity home, 202 housing construction, hospital construction, Stop Hunger Now event, a new Manning website, It’s Refreshing brand launch and $500,000 award for downtown revitalization were a few of the 2012 accomplishments.  2013 will bring new opportunities and challenges.  For the Main Street Manning (MSM) organization, it includes the start and completion of the downtown revitalization - 1/2 million dollars worth! This summer will bring many changes to our downtown district.  Twenty-two branding banners will be installed the first week of February.  It is our goal for fifteen more to be installed by June 1st.  Want to be part of the downtown excitement??  Adopt/sponsor one of the remaining 15 banners!!!!  MSM will continue to pursue a forgivable loan for multifamily housing.  We have other ideas that are being developed.  MSM is only one of the numerous community/religious organizations working towards the betterment of our hometown. I have great respect for all the volunteers – at the top of the list are all members of our volunteer fire department. Take time to thank any of the community volunteers. If you aren’t a volunteer, consider becoming one.
    The Manning website (www.ManningIa.com) has received many accolades. We have numerous ideas for improvement in 2012. If you are interested, please contact the MSM office. Help us advertise Manning by putting a Manning It’s Refreshing cling/sticker on your vehicle! They, along with Manning It’s Refreshing coozies, are all available free in the MSM office.
    Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??  It is due to our businesses, our volunteers and our entire surrounding area. The sense of community goes beyond the city limits. It includes our local farmers and all those who live in our rural areas.  Are you interested in being an MSM volunteer?  If so, please contact Colleen Nelson or myself.  I am certain we have a role that fits you!!!!!

Main Street Minute        Ron Reischl

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? The many reasons include past and current generations who invested in Manning’s future. Their investments of money and time helped make Manning the vibrant community it is today.
    WOW – 2012 is officially behind us. Main Street Manning (MSM), partnered with the city and the Chamber, had a year filled with accomplishments. We hope to keep the momentum in 2013. The new year brings change. Pam Kusel and DeEtte Grabill stepped down from their positions on the Board. We are fortunate that each will continue their contributions on an MSM committee. This month’s MSM newsletter includes “words of wisdom” from each. Please pick up a newsletter at the MSM office or other outlets that carry the free newsletter. Or better yet, provide your email address to Colleen at mainstmanning@mmctsu.com and she will electronically send you this newsletter and future newsletters!  We move into 2013 with lots of challenges but with three new board members who bring new energy: Jeff Blum, Jason Hoffman and Bob Stessman.

In 2012, you heard and read about the $500,000 grant to revitalize downtown Manning.  In 2013, you will see the physical changes.  The architectural firm has started its work.  Construction will start in spring.  Watch for progress!  Also watch for the new branding banners that will be installed on Main Street in February.  I hope you love them as much as I do.  It will be exciting to see them!!!!  Banners are still waiting to be sponsored.  You can find additional details in the MSM newsletter or call Colleen at the MSM office.

Please visit the www.ManningIa.com website – it is excellent. Please advertise Manning by putting a Manning It’s Refreshing cling/sticker on your vehicle! They, along with Manning It’s Refreshing coozies, are all available free in the MSM office.

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??  It is due to our businesses, our volunteers and our entire surrounding area. The sense of community goes beyond the city limits. It includes our local farmers and all those who live in our rural areas.  Are you interested in being an MSM volunteer?  If so, please contact Colleen Nelson or myself.  I am certain we have a role that fits you!!!!!

Main Street Minute     Ron Reischl

Why do others say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??  Mallory Rahe, MS, PHD from the University of Illinois visited Manning last summer for a research paper on volunteerism in small communities.  She wrote the following “outsider’s reflection on Manning”.
    “I might have met you during my visit to the community, but, suffice it to say I am studying rural development in a series of communities in Iowa as part of a dissertation project, and I was asked several months ago to reflect on my visit to Manning. I stopped agonizing about trying to say something useful and just decided to react to my experience but I thought I should tell you a little bit about my perspective.
    When I think about the future of rural communities I use a lot of visuals, I picture communities with jobs, a number of locally owned businesses, houses and yards that show that people are not afraid of their neighbors and proud of their home. Because of my education and my interests, thoughts about the reality of what it takes to achieve these goals soon follow. Community development takes a lot of volunteers, it takes people’s free time, it takes the pooling of community funds, it takes risk taking, open public conversation, consideration of the timing and opinions of various efforts, it takes negotiation, it takes people supporting fundraisers, it takes heart.
    I would urge people in Manning to take a moment and thank the people around them and be thankful for how many things seem to really be going well in the community right now: Main Street is on the move, a new branding campaign was successfully launched, the Betterment Foundation is an active group with over 60 years of experience in the community, and Third and Main has a great beer selection and is a very nice space to spend an evening. The church next to the Hausbarn is breathtaking at night when it is all lit up. The murals on the John Deere dealership are lovely and such a surprising place to find public art. I can’t wait to see more of Main Street transformed revealing the historical character of the buildings, and yet I am glad that First National Bank will maintain its Bavarian timbering. It’s weird that there is always music playing on Main Street, but I like it. David Kusel is a treasure for the community to have. His website has so much detail on it and as a fellow history lover, what he has done will provoke curiosity in Manning’s story for many years. I wish my community had a 24 hour workout center that had convenient parking. Manning appears to be a strong community with a wide range of people who are invested in keeping the community a safe and healthy place. That is truly something to be thankful for.

Community development is hard. There are so many things outside of your control and communities have to balance reacting to the environment around them and maintaining and improving what they already have. Things are complicated because development is voluntary. A business owner can decide to do things the right way or the cheapest way. A resident can choose to spend their free time watching TV or participating. Elected officials can do the bare minimum or be creative and innovative in their jobs. People have different opinions and different ideas about how to do them. Above all, development is difficult because it is all about personal priorities, personalities, and choices.

Main Street Minute     Ron Reischl

    Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? The many reasons include past and current generations who invested in Manning’s future. Their investments of money and time helped make Manning the vibrant community it is today.
    Please allow me to continue the theme from last week’s Main Street Minute and finish the list of Main Street Manning’s (MSM) 2012 accomplishments. With monies secured by MSM, a new door was installed at the Manning Fire Department. The door will accommodate today’s larger ambulances. MSM & Chamber volunteers designed Manning It’s Refreshing branding banners that will fly on 37 Main Street light poles.  Many are available for “adoption”. MSM partnered with the Manning Visioning committee to include the It’s Refreshing brand in the Visioning proposals on trails,  signage and new “welcome to Manning” signs. We developed and launched the new Refresh Manning Trust Fund. We are partnering with Manning Rotary and Manning Betterment Foundation to sponsor and promote this trust fund. It is designed to provide similar benefits to Manning as the Warren Timmerman Trust fund provides. MSM is pursuing a multimillion forgivable loan for multi-family housing. The loan will be used with private monies to develop duplexes. We were awarded a $50,000 grant to assist in the development of an upper-story apartment in a Main Street building. This will also be partnered with private monies. MSM awarded a local façade grant to two Main Street district businesses to provide 50% of the cost of installing a storefront awning. Watch for the upcoming installations! 

Please visit the www.ManningIa.com website – it is excellent. Please advertise Manning by putting a Manning It’s Refreshing cling/sticker on your vehicle! They, along with Manning It’s Refreshing coozies, are all available free in the MSM office.

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??  It is due to our businesses, our volunteers and our entire surrounding area. The sense of community goes beyond the city limits. It includes our local farmers and all those who live in our rural areas.  I wish a Merry Christmas to all!  Please be safe in all your travels.

Main Street Minute      Ron Reischl   
Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? The many reasons include past generations who invested in Manning’s future. Their investments of money and time helped make Manning a vibrant community.
    The Main Street Manning (MSM) Board met for the last time in 2012. We reviewed some of the 2012 accomplishments. Very successful retail events were held including the Spring Open House and Holiday Open House.  Other sponsored events included Kinderfest, Trick-and-Treating on Main Street and Weihnachtsfest. A record breaking Chamber/MSM Golf Tournament was held in June. New Christmas decorations were installed on Main Street. Decorations include ten lit snowflakes, twenty snowflake banners and thirty-seven lit garlands. $12,000 was awarded to MSM from the Timmerman Trust Fund for these holiday lights/decorations and branding banners.  The Manning Chamber contributed $2500. The City of Manning and Manning Electrical Utility installed the decorations. Work included installation of outlets on each light pole.  Planters on Main Street were decorated throughout the year with seasonally appropriate décor. 
     We participated in a Krell Energy pilot funded by the USDA Rural Development Small Business Innovation Research grant.  This pilot is designed to determine and evaluate behavioral impacts on energy usage and no-cost and low-cost methods to save energy dollars. $500,000 for Downtown Revitalization was awarded to Manning.  Building selections and initial estimates have been completed.  An architect has been hired and has begun work. With Main Street Iowa and industry consultants, we developed and launched the new Manning It’s Refreshing brand and the new www.ManningIa.com website.  Launch attendees included the community, local civic and business leaders, Main Street Iowa, Visioning consultants, county supervisors and representatives from three newspapers. Please visit the website – it is excellent.  Please advertise Manning by putting a Manning It’s Refreshing cling/sticker on your vehicle!  They, along with Manning It’s Refreshing coozies, are all available free in the MSM office.
     Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??   It is due to our businesses, our volunteers and our entire surrounding area.  The sense of community goes beyond the city limits.  It includes our local farmers and all those who live in our rural areas.