Limestone Bluffs RC&D notes 25 years of service

     Limestone Bluffs Resource, Conservation and Development noted 25 years of service to Eastern Iowa this month with an anniversary banquet held Dec. 5 at Teddy’s Barn & Grill near Amber. Guests included current and former board members, past coordinators and a number of small business owners. Limestone Bluffs RC&D serves the residents of Delaware, Dubuque, Jones, Jackson, Cedar and Clinton counties.

     Over the past 25 years, Limestone Bluffs RC&D has been responsible for over $30 million in investments through grant awards and matching funds for a variety of projects in Eastern Iowa. During this same time the organization provided $1.2 million in funding to small businesses in the region to create new jobs and retain positions through their revolving loan program.

     A number of special honors and awards were given at the anniversary banquet.

     The Excellence in Innovation Award was given to area entrepreneurs and small businesses that – with the help and assistance of Limestone Bluffs RC&D – were successful in growing and sustaining their business in Eastern Iowa. Receiving Excellence in Innovation Awards were Sam Mulgrew, Trappist Caskets, Dubuque County; Dan and Julie Woods, Big Jim’s BLT’s, Delaware County; and Paul Tabor, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery, Jackson County.

     “Launching an innovative start-up can be a daunting task. Fortunately, for me, I had Limestone Bluffs RC&D as a touchstone –delivering the critical support I needed,” said Sam Mulgrew. “They helped me craft and implement a business plan, exposed me to relevant networking opportunities, suggested where start-up capital might be found, and provided the lead effort in writing two successful grants.”

     Assistance from the RC&D was key to the success of Big Jim’s BLT’s, as well. “Before we began our relationship with Limestone Bluffs RC&D, our business was at a crossroads and our operation was inefficient,” recalls Julie Woods. “We entered into a loan agreement with Limestone Bluffs to purchase an enclosed trailer and a portable fryer, and without question this was a turning point for Big Jim’s. Our business loan might have seemed like a small dollar amount to most businesses, but this money made all the difference to our operation. I don’t think we would still be in business today without the funds we received from Limestone Bluffs RC&D.”

     Paul Tabor shared, “Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery and Limestone Bluffs RC&D have partnered on numerous projects since the inception of the winery in 1996. LBRCD sponsored meetings for a number of winery owners who were interested in establishing a wine trail in Eastern Iowa and LBRCD was instrumental in helping organize the Iowa Wine Trail in 2004 – the first registered wine trail organization in the State.” Limestone Bluffs has also partnered with Tabor Home Winery in some very innovative projects as well, including a wine incubator and supporting much needed hands-on educational seminars for the industry.

     The following individuals were also recognized by Limestone Bluffs RC&D as providing “outstanding service” to the RC&D in the past 25 years: Warren Johnson, former coordinator; Jon Bell, current RC&D president and long-time board member; Pauline Antons, current board member serving the RC&D in her 25^th year; Eric Wahl, former RC&D treasurer from Jones County; David Kendell, first RC&D president from Jackson County; Gary Petersen, past RC&D president from Jackson County; and Linda Swanson, former office manager.

     Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working in rural Eastern Iowa to promote, enhance and achieve a thriving rural lifestyle that is vibrant, interesting, economically sustainable and based upon the responsible use of the region’s resources, including its people. If you would like to learn more about our other initiatives – such as our Regional Cultural Council, the Maquoketa River WMA or Local Foods group – or have an idea for a future project, contact Executive Director Lori Scovel at lscovel@limestonebluffsrcd.org.