News

Why invest in Polk City? By: Bruce Boland

November 8, 2017

Bruce Boland

By: Bruce Boland

Chairman, Iowa Growth Investors, Inc.

Chairman, First Continental Group

Why invest in Polk City?

As chairman of Iowa Growth Investors, Inc. (IGII), I have been asked why we have chosen to invest resources and capital in Polk City. IGII’s view of life and business is not always about money and profit (which is contrary to 99.9% of traditional business thought processes). The primary purpose of IGII is to create work and jobs. We accomplish this goal through business turnarounds and project development.

So why invest in Polk City? The most important reason, because IT’S FUN. As part of the Polk City community, we recognize the need to be good citizen-neighbors.  So as we develop our own business interests in Polk City, we strive to bring amenities and services to benefit our community.

We have been willing to take a chance on people in Polk City ~ known as Organic Growth.

What are some of the new developments in and around Polk City, and who is behind it?

Since 2012, IGII has formed or bought into many projects and initiatives in Polk City. When we purchase land or buildings, our goal is always to make improvements that help the town’s appearance as well as help grow our investments. Other various eye sores around the town have been demolished and the space made available for new buildings and homes.

Some of our investments are considered high-risk (such as investing in the Big Creek Technology Campus and the re-visualization of the former Broken Arrow Building), while others are low-risk and not meant for a direct return on investment (such as the refurbished Polk City Square Playground).

What is this new building on the Square?

The “new” building ~ which is actually a refurbishing of the facility formerly known as the “Broken Arrow” ~ is the most visible of our current projects. This new facility will serve as a business hub on the corner of the Polk City Square.

Concept of this new building.

The new structure was conceived as a corner-anchor of the Square, leasing office space to a variety of businesses. The facility will feature private office suites, a reception area, and a centrally-situated shared conference room. The exterior features a large courtyard facing the Square, and will be open to the public.

Why did you knock down the original building?

There have been some questions as to why it was necessary to demolish the old east-facing concrete-block building. The answer is: 1), it was structurally unsound, and 2) it had become a bit of an eyesore.

In keeping the west-facing part of the structure, we hoped to retain a bit of the history of the original structure while creating a new, modern façade facing the Square. There is an old saying: “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”  However, that is exactly the challenge IGII thrives upon, meaning we take great pride in our ability to improve existing business and to create new business opportunities.

Why is it taking so long?

As we have other initiatives in the works concurrently, it has been necessary to redirect our resources from time to time, slowing the completion of the building. And, we have had to overcome many unforeseen structural obstacles.

How does this affect and benefit Polk City?

In addition to providing much-needed office space for the growing business sector, the facility will add to the city’s tax base, enabling funds for more amenities. The new structure also dovetails with the ongoing larger improvement projects to infrastructure and facilities in and around town.

When will it be occupied?

We are planning to begin leasing spaces in early 2018.

Current Investments in Polk City by IGII:

  • Sender’s Construction
  • Garden Home Subdivision at Wolf Creek (IGII bought a portion of the tract from bankruptcy of previous ownership)
  • Big Creek Technology Campus
  • Polk City Playground Renovation
  • 104 Third Street (Broken Arrow)
  • Additional plans in the works

All these investments have occurred while at the same time, building a well-respected construction company with honest, quality people of whom we are very proud.

Mid Summer Scramble ~ July 7, 2017

June 4, 2015

Please plan to join us for the 2017 Mid Summer Scramble.

Med Form 2

Click HERE to download a copy of the flyer.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Polk City Chamber of Commerce Announcement

March 3, 2015

logo

Congratulations to Justin and Jennifer Sands for winning “Business Person of the Year” from Sands Chiropractic!!!

Congratulations to Bob and Mary Miller for winner “Citizen of the Year.”

Both are very deserving and we are having a ceremony at Boulders Inn this Tuesday, March 10th at 5:00.  Everyone is invited to join us in this celebration!!!

Shawn Comer
Chamber President

Iowa Economic Development Guide

September 11, 2014

The Iowa Economic Development Guide is now available online.

Here is the link for you to view and share:
http://www.siteselection.com/cc/iowa/

Blog: Recreational Facilities in Polk City

August 28, 2014

Recreational Facilities in Polk City

It is no secret that PCDC has formed a committee to look at improving the recreational facilities in Polk City.  This committee has worked for several months and is close to coming up with a recommendation to build new multi-purpose fields, redo the baseball/softball fields and build an aquatic center.  There are some important meetings pending the decision to move forward.  In the meantime we would like you to respond to a survey concerning the financing of these facilities.  Please take the time to fill out the survey.  This is an anonymous survey.  Thank you for your participation.  Please click on the link:

https://apps.facebook.com/my-surveys/bssrea

PCDC was established to encourage a proactive business environment that results in a diversified and balanced smart growth of Polk City’s economic base and improves the quality of life.

Blog Author: John Calhoun is the executive director of PCDC and a Polk City resident.

Blog: Iowa Growth Investors

June 2, 2014

Sorry that I have not done a blogging.  I somehow managed to get REAL busy working on the Four Seasons Festival and did not get any blogging done. So I have some catching up to do.  I am starting by telling you about Iowa Growth Investors.

Iowa Growth Investors held a ribbon cutting on May 16th.  Iowa Growth Investors, Inc. (IGII), completed phase 1 construction and occupied their new Management Center in the Big Creek Technology Park late last fall. The 3200 square foot facility houses the corporate management activity for the Polk City based company. IGII is excited to be a member of the Polk City business community and looks forward to future expansion of their business opportunities in the technology park.  

IGII focuses on creating jobs and the betterment of the community.  As the IGII management team identifies small, medium or large turnarounds or startups that need assistance, land has been purchased and is available in the Big Creek Technology Campus. Current occupants of the management center include IGII, Polk City Real Estate LLC, Fort Dodge Real Estate LLC, and Sender’s Construction.

PCDC was established to encourage a proactive business environment that results in a diversified and balanced smart growth of Polk City’s economic base and improves the quality of life.

Blog Author: John Calhoun is the executive director of PCDC and a Polk City resident. 

Blog: Broadband in Polk City

May 6, 2014

Broadband in Polk City

I wanted to follow-up on the broadband question that I talked about a couple weeks ago.  You might remember that the questions asked was “What are the broadband needs in Polk City?”  To no surprise, there is not an easy answer to that question.  Therefore, PCDC has engaged Connect Iowa to help us do an assessment of our needs.

Connect Iowa has assigned David Daack to help us through the assessment.  The PCDC board has designated me to champion this project and a committee has been formed to guide the process.  Did I mention that the services of Connect Iowa are FREE?  Connect Iowa is funded with Federal funds and provided to the community at no cost. 

The community assessment will take approximately three months.  We will be looking at the current and future needs of Polk City in addition to looking at the current providers in Polk City and their ability to meet the established needs. 

Should you have a particular interest in assisting with this process please contact me through e-mail:  [email protected]

PCDC was established to encourage a proactive business environment that results in a diversified and balanced smart growth of Polk City’s economic base and improves the quality of life.

Blog Author: John Calhoun is the executive director of PCDC and a Polk City resident.

Blog: New Development at Jester Business Group

April 25, 2014

New Development at Jester Business Group

We had a little fun last week with a much exaggerated blog by my friends at Jester Business Group.  However, this week we have an accurate report on the new building that has sprung up on N. 3rd Street.

Jester Business Group, LLC, is nearing completion of a new building at 700 N 3rd Street (next to Wolf Creek town homes). The new building was needed in main part to accommodate the growth of our two principal tenants, DM Crop Research Group, Inc. and Lakeside Products LLC. Both companies are expanding their Polk City operations and require additional work space and storage for equipment and supplies.

A portion of the building is also available for new tenants. Rental space in the new building can be built-out as required by the tenant(s) for storage and/or general work space. For inquiries regarding available space, contact owners Dan Moellenbeck (515) 975-4425 or Bruce Beguhn (515) 402-7763.

PCDC was established to encourage a proactive business environment that results in a diversified and balanced smart growth of Polk City’s economic base and improves the quality of life.

Blog Author: John Calhoun is the executive director of PCDC and a Polk City resident.

Blog: New Development at Jester Business Group

April 18, 2014

New Development at Jester Business Group

I have a guest blogger today as I am trying to work in business spotlights.  It is extremely important to Think Local when purchasing!  Today’s blogger is none other than Bruce Beguhn & Dan Moellenbeck. 

Many people have been asking about the new building being built by Jester Business Group at the former site of the Bed Shed on the north end of Polk City next to Wolf Creek townhomes.

Owners Dan Moellenbeck and Bruce Beguhn are pleased to announce the beginning phase of a new, state of the art, indoor training center and competition track for pedal pull tractors.  Both men said that after sponsoring the pedal pull at the Polk City Festival for the last two years and seeing the hard work and effort put forth by the participants, Polk City was a prime location for this new training facility.

Pedal Pull’s startedpedal pull in the late 70’s when Jimmy Horseshoe and Ted Lambert decided to mimic their dad’s hot rod tractor pulling efforts using their toy pedal tractors. The sport has grown radically from there. Pedal Pulling is now a cottage industry with custom manufacturing of high performance parts, multiple equipment classes and backyard training centers for future pullers.

Moellenbeck said that seeing the joy on a young child’s face combined with the sweat and tears of the performance is what convinced him that this investment not only made sense but was necessary.

The yet to be named pulling center and training facility will include facilities for cardio training and weight lifting as well as a dining center for proper nutrition.  The highlight will be an indoor simulated pulling surface that will allow future competitors to practice on the same type of surface they will experience during a sanctioned pull on any town square in America.  State of the art pedal pull tractors will be provided for various age and weight groups and of course there will be a brand new ‘Iron Horse’ pulling sled.

The men said that interest has been very high and their new website www.pedalpullrocks.com has been getting inquiries from not only across the country but around the world.

Phase two of the project will be an outdoor arena with a genuine ‘city square’ pulling surface and include lights and a small grandstand to allow for night pulls and simulate the crowds for a true game day atmosphere.

The National Pedal Pullers Association (NPPA) has officially sanctioned this facility and recognizes it as the first of its kind in the world.

Moellenbeck says that Polk City will be the new world center for pedal pullers and the owners are proud to be part of it.  “I just wish something like this was available when I was a kid.”

PCDC was established to encourage a proactive business environment that results in a diversified and balanced smart growth of Polk City’s economic base and improves the quality of life.

Blog Author: John Calhoun is the executive director of PCDC and a Polk City resident.  

P.S.

(Who says there is no humor in Polk City.  I believe my guest bloggers are actually sending me their real blog next week.  Happy Easter.)

Blog: What are the Broadband needs in Polk City?

April 10, 2014

What are the Broadband needs in Polk City?

I think we have had good discussion on the golf cart & snowmobile issue for now.  So, I am going to go a different direction this week.  I want to talk to you about broadband in Polk City.  This is another issue that likely will draw many differing opinions, but I think it is worth exploring.

There are a series of questions that need to be answered while exploring this issue.  They are as follows:
  • What are Polk City’s broadband needs today, both residential and commercial?
  • Are today’s needs being satisfied by current providers i.e. Mediacom, Century Link?
  • What will Polk City’s broadband needs be in the future?
  • Can or will current providers meet those needs?
  • Why do we need to answer these questions?  Well, Polk City is growing and the new residents are young with lots of children.  I am guessing that the broadband needs of these families are high due to tablets, computers, steaming and/or Television.

    I would really like to hear your thoughts. Let me know how you feel by leaving me a comment below.

    PCDC was established to encourage a proactive business environment that results in a diversified and balanced smart growth of Polk City’s economic base and improves the quality of life.

    Blog Author: John Calhoun is the executive director of PCDC and a Polk City resident.