JADE  ·  Main Street Renovation  ·  R.E.G.E.N.T. Program  ·  Power of One 

In the past year, J.A.D.E. (Jewell Area Development Enterprises) and Jade Foundation have been involved in many activities and events that have benefited the Jewell community. Listed below are some of them:

Regent Grants (50/50 Business Improvement Grants for infrastructure and signage) Monthly Power of One local business advertising promotion Continued improvements in 611 Main Street building with plumbing improvements, replaced/refinshed flooring, built office walls and prepared for business occupant on first floor Continued improvements at 632 Main Street including handicapped ramp on north side of building, and made building available for special yearly events Created new Jewell Welcome Bags

Conducted first Progressive Dinner business promotion event Represented Jewell at Hamilton County SEED meetings Attended ICN Main Street Training sessions and Main Street Awards Ceremony Continued promotion events including Main Street Barbeque, Gem of a Yard Program, Jewell Tree Festival, Garage SAles, and Winter Decorations in Waterworks Park Expanded Yule in Jewell Celebration Maintained Main Street flower planters and garbage containers Continued to upgrade Waterworks Park with perennials and shrubs

These activities have helped to enhance property values and elevate community pride.

Please help us continue with these efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution to Jade Foundation and/or a time commitment to Jewell Area Development Enterprise (J.A.D.E.).

A household membership is $50. Contributions of any amount are appreciated. Please make checks payable to Jade Foundation and send to the following:

Jade Foundation
P.O. Box 475
Jewell, IA 50130

Maggie Anthony Richard Beers Debra Fish Bruce Johnson

Ann Marcalus Carroll McLuckie Kenn Outzen Danny Waugh

"The mission of the Main Street Iowa Program is to improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa's communities by assisting selected communities to capitalize on the unique identity, assets, and character of their downtown area. Main Street is economic development within the context of historic preservation." (Iowa Department of Economic Development)

Senator Tom Harkin said, "One of the great challenges we face -- not just here in Iowa but all across America -- is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns. This isn't just about economics. It is also about our identity as Iowans. That's why this program is in a class by itself. It is smart. It is effective. It offers hope. And it touches communities and people in very concrete ways."

In 2006, Hamilton County S.E.E.D. was the recipient for monies designated towards the preservation and stablization of 626-628 Main Street. This project remains an ongoing process to preserve a touch of Jewell's history.

Ann Marcalus, Fred Marcalus, Bruce Johnson

R.E.G.E.N.T. = Reveal Jewell's Gems Downtown Program
    - Exterior/Interior Renovation and Signage Grant
    - Sponsored and Funded by the Jewell Area Development Enterprise (JADE)

Program Guidelines:

The Jewell R.E.G.E.N.T. Program will grant up to $500 (on a 50/50%) match basis with the property owner to each retail or commercial business, located in the business district, for exterior or interior improvements. (Example: On a $750 project the building owner pays $375 of the costs and the R.E.G.E.N.T. Program grants $375). Grants can be awarded up to $250 (50/50% match) for signage or business equipment/furniture for buildings in the business district. The program funds are available until the pool of money allocated for the grant program is exhausted. Projects must be completed within one year from the date the request is approved. A maximum of $5,000 can be awarded to a property owner at any one location. A period of five years must pass, beginning with the date the first grant was awarded before future grants will be considered.

Projects that have accompanying Main Street conceptual drawings provided by the state Main Street Consultant and have not been granted funds previously by JADE will receive priority. Purchases should be made locally if possible. Labor, if performed by the property owner or close relative, is not a reimbursable expense.

NOTE: A downloadable file with the complete Guidelines and Application Procedures will be available soon

Shop Locally - It Makes a Difference!

Dollars spent in Jewell help our community prosper. We all need to be reminded about spending money at home for merchandise and services. Items may sometimes cost less in larger town, but think of the REAL PRICE: Longer travel time, frustration while trying to find your item, sales associates who don't know you or your needs, hassles or red tape when making returns, placing orders, or writing a check.

Money spent in Jewell goes for wages, utilities, taxes, church support, school projects, donations to community organizations and events, plus much more!

Money spent in Jewell circulates throughout the economy, assuring that city services at top notch, property values stay high, and opportunities for further growth are available.

New for 2009! Every Jewell business is encouraged to participate in a Welcome Bag designed for new members of our community. Anyone going to City Hall to start water or trash service will receive the Welcome Bag. Profit, non-profit, and any service organization may include promotional materials they feel will draw people to their business, church, youth program, etc. We are anxious for people new to our community to know what we have to offer.

If you would like to be a part of this Welcome Bag project, please contact Jeannie Wintermote at 827-5443 or Mischelle Hardy at 827-6194.
 

 

 

 

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