The Greater Burlington Partnership rolled out the red carpet under the Big Top Friday night for the GBB’s annual dinner.
The Under the Big Top circus-themed event included an America’s Got Talent featured aerialist Laura Ernst. It was also an awards ceremony that showcased the community’s efforts in the past year to continue to revitalize the downtown area of Burlington and recognize the efforts of businesses, and individuals in their endeavors to make the Burlington and West Burlington thriving communities.
Burlington Blackwater LLC was awarded the Downtown Distinction award. Burlington Blackwater, an ice cream shop and indoor miniature golf course, is owned by former GBB executive Marty Mogk and his wife Sara.
Mogk credited part of the businesses success with the partnerships formed with other businesses including ice cream from Hinterland Dairy, and baked goods that complement the ice cream from the Beancounter Coffeehouse and Drinkery and the Collective Food Hub.
The business is located in downtown Burlington and is one of many building rehabilitations along Jefferson Street that include a new business on the main floor and two upper-story housing units.
The GBB moved away from downtown Burlington when it recognized 725 S. Roosevelt as the Best Renovation to a Facility. The address is home to Reid’s Landscapes, George’s Lawnmower and an indoor batting cage facility, Line Drive. The business is owned by Kyle and Susan Reid.
The Reids did a complete facelift to the 725 S. Roosevelt location and expanded the facility to include the three businesses, including a place for youth baseball and softball players to practice during times when the weather doesn’t cooperate with being outside.
The KCPS Radio Sponsored Wreaths Across America project was recognized with the Legacy and Vision Award. Chip Giannettino, owner of KCPS, and Mike Bloomer, Administrator of Aspen Grove Cemetery, brought the national Wreaths Across America to Burlington in 2023. In 2024, the project raised enough money to place a live balsam wreath on the grave of 4,000 veterans in Des Moines County.
Two of the three Des Moines County Supervisors, Shane McCampbell and Jim Cary, were joined by Des Moines County Public Health Director Christa Poggemiller to accept the Project of the Year award for the new public health building constructed at the corner of Agency and Curran Streets.
The new state of the art facility was funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds. “Not one cent came from the taxpayer,” said Supervisor Chairman Cary.
The Greater Burlington Partnership has a new captain when Amy O’Brien was hired a President and CEO in 2024. Ann Menke was awarded the Chairman’s Award for her volunteer efforts in leading the search committee to select a new CEO.
The Art Center of Burlington was awarded the Community Impact award and honored for the many programs and events hosted by the staff. ACB Executive Director Elizabeth Pappas said the ACB strives to make art accessible to everyone in the community regardless of their age, ability and socioeconomic status.
Eva Castillo, Hope Haven-Imagine the Possibilities Director of Services, was recognized as Business Person of the Year. She was recognized for her efforts to provide growth to the program that provides services to developmentally disabled individuals in southeast Iowa. She is chair of the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee.
Hope Haven merged with Imagine the Possibilities in 2023, and Castillo said, “We may look a little different, but we are here serving the community.”
Her former boss, retired Hope Haven CEO Bob Bartles, was honored with the Emmy Award, for his efforts in settling Ukrainian immigrants in southeast Iowa. Bartles said his wife Carol, and the many other volunteers, should also have been recognized Friday for the work done to assist the refugees settle here, gain employment and become citizens here.
Friday’s event also included a live and silent auction and an after party. The event was held at the Catfish Bend Events Center and sponsors were Great River Entertainment, Two Rivers Bank and Trust, Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design, Co., Farm Bureau Financial Services – Tim Lundgren, Burlington Black Water LLC, DAME Fine Coffee, and Connection Bank.
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