Page 3 - June Newsletter 2018

Legislative Session Wraps Up New Members

O n May 5, the gavel fell to adjourn the 87th Iowa General (cont)

Assembly. This session saw the passage of several bills
to improve the state’s business climate.
LITTLE ANGEL'S FUN ZONE, LLC
• Future Ready Iowa Act This bill was passed unanimously Katie Douglas, Owner
841 S Illinois Ave
by both chambers. It helps to upskill and expand Iowa’s
workforce by creating a registered apprenticeship program, Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 420-6111
a volunteer mentoring program, a pilot program for at-risk
youth, an employer innovation fund, a last dollar scholarship [email protected]
program, and a skilled workforce grant program. Bounce house fun, providing
private rentals and birthday party
• Comprehensive Tax Reform The last time Iowa’s corporate venue rentals!
income tax brackets and rates were adjusted was 1981 when the top rate was increased
from 10% to 12%. The last time it was affected to be more competitive was 1957.
Corporate rates will not be lowered until TY 2021. BE WELLNESS
Ashley Coleman, Co-Owner
• Economic Development Incentives/Tax Credits Incentives work. These tools are used 419 Main Ave
to create jobs and grow Iowa’s economy. In particular, Tax Increment Financing, Iowa Clear Lake, IA 50428
Jobs Training Programs (260E & 260F), and Historic Preservation, Research Activities, (641) 529-0143
Angel Investors, High Quality Jobs, and Workforce Housing credits are utilized locally [email protected]
to spur capital investment and higher wages. For the most part, these programs will bewellnessclearlake.com
continue. A holistic health company featuring
four integrated divisions, Simply
• Expansion of Employer Health Plans This legislation could allow employers to form Nourished Health Food Market,
association health plans to provide employees with more affordable healthcare plans. Better Body Movement services
It also provides for association health plans for Farm Bureau and Wellmark insurance. It division, Healthy Living Education
allows for additional options in the health insurance marketplace for small businesses. and Collaborative Partners
Network.
The Chamber is a member of the Iowa Chamber Alliance, a coalition comprised of the 16
largest chamber & economic development organizations in Iowa. The ICA is the leading
voice for promoting economic growth policies and initiatives in Iowa. MEANY AG LLC
Brian Meany, Owner
11 Quarry Rd
Mason City, IA 50401
Building Our Brand Mural Project (641) 430-5311
[email protected]
Seed and chemical sales, scouting
and consulting
Following a break for the winter, work has resumed on the mural project to beautify the
rear façade of downtown buildings. Thanks to a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, two
murals will be installed to jumpstart the project.
TAILGATER'S SPORTS BAR &
GRILL LLC
Last summer, two of three panels on the alley entrance to Brick Furniture were completed. Ryan Kramer, Owner/President
In the coming weeks, the fire escape stairwell on the City Center building will be painted
627 S Federal Ave
with a geometric design in the spirit of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School.
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 424-1310
Hopefully, additional building owners will choose to participate
[email protected]
in this program to reinforce Mason City’s brand as a destination www.tailgatersmasoncity.com
for Prairie School architecture and improve the appearance of Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill offers
the back side of downtown buildings. Citizens may be largely great daily lunch & dinner specials,
immune to the current view, but the approach to downtown from happy hour specials from 3-9PM,
every direction welcomes visitors with an unattractive landscape weekly events (including pool
of building backs and unkempt alleys. leagues, musicians, and karaoke),
and more!
Building owners are responsible for power-washing, priming,
and painting the building surface. Grant funds are used to pay
an artist for design work and painting; paint and other supplies;
and for renting the necessary equipment (bucket truck, scissor
lift, etc.)
City Center building

preparing for the mural. For more information on the project, contact Robin Anderson.
Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected] Fax 641.423.5725