Community Development in Montezuma

The new Montezuma Community Development office opened earlier this month, and although not much fanfare, the excitement and support throughout the community have been tremendous. MCD is looking forward to a new role in bringing the City and the community together to build on our potential to accomplish great things.

Montezuma Community Development, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, works to positively impact the future of the City of Montezuma and the surrounding area through time-bound improvement strategies for the common good of the greater community.

Meet the Board of Directors

Accepting a position on the board of directors for any non-profit organization is an important role, especially for a community organization like ours. Montezuma Community Development is governed by a 9-member board that represents key stakeholders throughout the Montezuma community. Our current board of directors is represented by the city, county, small business and local industry, education, and community services and organizations. The board meets each month to hear the director's monthly report, and to provide input and support for the organization's initiatives. MCD Board of Directors:

Aaron McCaslen, President

Margaret Hutchinson, Vice-President

Christy McCaslen, Secretary

Joel Kercheval, Treasurer

Charlie Sheets

Clayton Hjelmeland

Andrea Martin

Jo Ahrens

Iowa Economic Development Visits Montezuma

On Thursday, April 12, Derek Lord of IED visited with a small group of local officials and community leaders to share information about a grant program for downtown revitalization. The information presented supports the sustainability of Iowa’s downtowns and communities, including efforts to assist with historic preservation. Montezuma has been considering this “façade” program for several months. This movement comes on the heels of learning that Montezuma’s historic corridor will be listed as a National Historic District. (According to Montezuma’s Certified Local Government group, the official announcement will be made early this summer). Based on a community our size, and with the necessary commitment of building and business owners throughout a designated zone, Montezuma could be eligible for up to $500,000 for revitalization. Next steps would include the city joining ranks with a downtown development group that can work together to advocate the need and long term benefits of such a project in Montezuma.

Director’s Quill

As the MCD office has now officially launched, and throughout my local travels, there have been many suggestions and questions that have been offered as the community is beginning to understand the role of a development office. It is my thinking that the organization and director position will evolve in a variety of exciting (and uncertain) ways. As much as I wish I could solve all of the issues, needs, wants in the first week – well, I’m only human and unable to replicate.

Addressing the community’s need for speed coupled with more reliable access for Internet service is just one area that I have been reaching out and asking for help with on your behalf. Many business owners have expressed frustration about their inability to conduct business in the way they need to. I hope to have better answers on these issues in the coming weeks. Having the necessary capacity and “redundancy” to do business effectively in our technology-driven economy is important, and working to solve the problem with a unified voice is vital to sustaining (and attracting) a growing economic climate in Montezuma. If you have called with other suggestions or questions, I want you to know that you have been heard. Your comments go immediately on a post-it and into my handy suggestion box next to my desk. I will follow-up as I can.

Now to the other business. I have identified three top line priorities for MCD: Housing, Daycare, and Community Renewal. The first two are obvious, and much work has already been done in these areas. MCD is just beginning to gather information on how we can assist the process by setting tangible goals for 3-months, 6-months and 1-year. We hope to unveil a more specific plan in the near future and will offer a public forum to share the information with the community. Then there is Community Renewal. What is that anyway? Renewal for communities takes shape in a variety of ways; the first initiative will be for beautification of our downtown and core commercial areas. If you’ve read this far, you already know about this. And you’ve probably heard a lot about cleaning-up and planting trees, shrubs and flowers! The second initiative is to introduce façade improvement and historical preservation grant programs for our downtown and core commercial areas. This too will take time, but noticeable improvements to visually enhance our community are just weeks away! Stay tuned for more...

Terence Blain, MCD Director

MCD Requests Your Support

As a non-profit, the Montezuma Community Development Corporation relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, organizations and other entities to support our annual operating budget. We would appreciate the offering of any type of in-kind or financial support. Please contact the MCD office for specifics. The benefits of membership in the organization will be introduced in the near future.

Paint Iowa Beautiful Grant Received

MCD is proud to announce that Montezuma has been awarded a grant for 2012 through Paint Iowa Beautiful and Diamond Vogel Paint. Approximately half the grant award has been committed to the Poweshiek County Historical Society and Museum for paint upgrades to the window and door frames and railings of both of their facilities on the southwest side of the square. The other half is up for grabs for one lucky business of the square. Please contact the MCD office to apply for funding. The deadline to apply for funding is May 15, 2012. Strong consideration will be made for the business or building owner that follows these guidelines:

Present a plan design including colors. 

• Paint cannot be used for signage.
• Present a project timeline. 
• All projects must be completed in 2012.Hiring a local paint service to assist with your project is encouraged.
•  Recipient must purchase paint from Diamond Vogel (Newton outlet).
• Other painting supplies should be purchased from a local retailer.
• Before and after photos of your project are required.
• Reimbursement of your paint expenses (up to 10 gallons) will be given at the completion of the project and if all the guidelines have been followed.