Fidelity Bank & Trust commits $35,000 to GWMRR

     Fidelity Bank & Trust has announced its commitment to invest $35,000 over a five-year period to support the joint Iowa Park Foundation and State of Iowa’s Parks to People pilot region, the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region.

     The region is comprised on Jones, Jackson and Dubuque counties.

     “Fidelity Bank & Trust’s gift is another step forward for our region as we implement our two-year plan,” said Daryl Parker, Jackson County Conservation director and president of the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region (GWMRR) Board. “This gift is an investment in the future of our entire region.”

     Dan Zitelman, president of Fidelity Bank & Trust added, “It’s important for us to support the quality of life in our region to ensure vibrant communities. We are excited to see the success this initiative has made bringing private and public partners together, and we’re happy to join in.”

     The Parks to People pilot project is a state initiative to create a regional arts, cultural and recreational destination that utilizes the State of Iowa’s investment of $1.9 million to leverage private investment. Over the last year, Jones, Jackson and Dubuque county stakeholders have worked to develop a two-year plan to enhance, promote and sustain the region’s assets. This plan, approved in December 2015 by the Iowa Parks Foundation, outlines up to $21 million of enhancements for the region’s parks, recreation and natural spaces. Currently the GWMRR has secured $17 million.

     Dusty Embree, the director of Jones County Economic Development stated, “This regional effort is a real boost to creating communities that entice young families to want to live in our area. New trails and increased recreational opportunities are very important elements to assure local employers that we can attract the workforce they need today and in the future.”

     The GWMRR’s mission is to leverage other community support for this region’s wonderful cultural, natural, arts and recreation assets. Anyone in the community can support the many great quality of life projects in their community. You can go to the region’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GWMRR/) and press the “Donate” button, or visit the Community Foundation’s website (http://tinyurl.com/hfz5s7y) to see how you can be a part of a specific project.

     For more information, look for the Grant Wood Loop on Facebook ((www.facebook.com/GWMRR/), or contact the Jackson County Economic Alliance at heiar@thejcea.org or 563-652-4549.