With Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, DPI presents the Open 4 Business competition for a for-profit business locating in downtown Burlington. Three chosen local applicants will pitch their business concepts to DPI, with the winner competing to be a semifinalist in June for a chance at $8,000. Five finalists will present their ideas in a statewide contest in August for an additional $20,000 in funding.  To apply for the Open 4 Business competition, visit GreaterBurlington.com  or contact Downtown Partners at 319-208-0056.

What:  Join us and travel to Des Moines representing the Southeast Iowa region to share legislative priorities and hear the latest happenings from the State of Iowa. Your voice is important! The participation fee is $135 per person covering the legislative luncheon, reception and breakfast with legislative leadership, plus numerous Q&A sessions covering Southeast Iowa key issues. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements by calling Embassy Suites at 515-244-1700 and mentioning "Southeast Iowa Days." 

When:  March 6 & 7

Where: Des Moines, IA 

What:  The Business, Retention and Expansion (BRE) Committee is asking you to nominate a small business that you feel has gone above and beyond and should be named the 2019 Small Business of the Year. It may have outstanding customer service, served the community for a long time, stood out on a community partnership or simply be an outstanding operation. To nominate a small business visit GreaterBurlington.com by 

March 29.

When:  The 2019 Small Business of the Year will be announced on May 10 at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast.

Where: Visit GreaterBurlington.com 

February Business After Hours  

What: We regret to inform you that there will be no Business After Hours as previously stated in the February Partnership newsletter.

What:  Be aware of companies claiming to sell lists, magnets, calendars, maps or any sponsorship on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Companies can easily attach our name to their brand and solicit as if the Chamber of Commerce has endorsed their product or service. Be cautious with any sponsorship and check the validity of the company before purchasing. If in question, visit GreaterBurlington.com and review our staff directory before opening an email or responding, or feel free to contact our office with any questions.

What:  Free live music with Jared Rouggly, featuring Stephen Coleman artwork in Mini Gallery, and Swed & Co. Coffee set up with samples. Everyone is welcome, and you can come and go as you please. Get out of your house and have some fun at the Art Center!

When: February 15, 5 - 8 PM

Where:  Art Center of Burlington, 301 Jefferson St, Burlington 

For More Information:  Email or call 319-754-8069

What:  Did you know we offer Friday Night Art Hop on the 1st & 3rd Fridays every month? Your kiddo (ages 3+) will enjoy an art project, snack, and story for $10. This week's theme is Flamingo plays Bingo! Pre-registration required in advance.

When: February 15, 6 - 7:30 PM

Where:  Art Center of Burlington, 301 Jefferson St, Burlington 

For More Information:  Email or call 319-754-8069

What:  Join us at the Stonegate Lounge in the Comfort Suites for Karaoke by Rena! Happy hour specials starting at 4 PM, all night long, food served 5 - 8 PM and karaoke 8  PM -midnight. Come sing with us!

When: February 15, 8 PM - 12 AM

Where:  Comfort Suites, 1780 Stonegate Center Dr, Burlington 

For More Information: Call  Cary Skeens at 319-753-1300 

What:  Register all kids ages 4 - 12 for tee-ball, rookie, minors and majors baseball and softball. Register online or visit us during our walk-in registration.

When: Register online now - March 24; live registration February 16, 9 AM - 2 PM

Where:  Live registration at Trax at FunCity, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

For More Information:  Contact Marty Bowen, 319-850-1221, or visit burlingtoniowalittleleague.com

What: Live band at the Snowbull Pre-party. 21 and over, no cover. 

When: February 16, 10 PM

Where:  Boogaloo Sports Bar and Grill, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

For More Information:  Contact Megan Bell or 319-237-4318 

What:  It's the longest, largest and oldest bicycle touring event in the world and it's happening right here in our own backyard! Get your bike ready to ride and save big on any one of our bike service packages. Bike Burlington Registration for RAGBRAI XLVII is due  February 20.

When: Now - February 20

Where:  Bickel's Cycling & Fitness, 305 E Agency Rd, West Burlington

For More Information: Visit bickels.com

What: BHS graduate Dr. Anni K. Reinking will discuss her new book,  Not Just Black and White: A White Mother's Story of Raising a Black Son in Multiracial America, at the library. Join us for her presentation over light refreshments

When: February 22, 6 PM

Where:  Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St, Burlington

For More Information:  Contact Sam Helmick, 319-753-1647 or visit burlington.lib.ia.us 

What: Take a step back in time with dozens of antique tractors on display from the '40s, '50 s, and '60s.

When: February 22 - 24

Where:  Westland Mall, 550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington

For More Information: Call  Contact Alissa at 319-753-2891 x 200 

What: Our agency is collecting non-perishable items for the Central Lee School District Food Pantry. We want to spread the love as well, so we will match the number of items donated through out the food drive. Please help us spread the love this month!

When: Through February 28

Where:  Welch's Insurance Agency, 415 Chestnut St, Donnellson

For More Information: Contact  Katie Cale or 319-835-5000 

What: A  dramedy by Gerald Sibleyras (translated by Tom Stoppard), which tells the story of 3 World War I veterans, played by Kent Lewis, Jim Beres, and Joe Harmon, who reside in a Parisian military hospital and spend their monotonous days re-living their long-ago military campaigns, grumbling about the staff, and reflecting on their lives, until they finally hatch a plan to escape. Will this be the day they finally succeed?

When: February 22, 23 & 28, March 1 & 2, 7:30 PM; February 24 and March 3, 2 PM

Where:  The Players Workshop, 1431 Grove St, Burlington 

For More Information: Call the  Players Workshop at 319-753-6623, visit playersworkshoptheater.com or Facebook

What:  Maintaining a Healthier Heart is the next topic in Great River Health System's Healthy U educational series. The presentation will help participants learn how to reduce risks for heart disease and how to improve their health if they are diagnosed with a heart problem. Light snacks will be available. 

When: February 28, 5:30 PM; registration deadline February 26

Where:  Great River Wellness Plaza, 1401 W Agency Rd, West Burlington

For More Information:  Visit greatriverhealthsystem.org/events or call 319-768-3300

What: The 2019 Burlington Bees baseball season is approaching! Season tickets and undated ticket packages are on sale now. Tickets work great for customer and employee reward programs!

When: Season tickets on sale until March 1

Where: Burlington Bees, 2712 Mt Pleasant St, Burlington

For More Information: Contact  Jill Mason, 319-754-5705 or visit  gobees.com 

What:  If your child will be five years old on or before September 15, 2019 he/she is eligible to start kindergarten. Please contact your attendance center as soon as possible for roundup and registration information.

When: March 25 - 28

Where: March 25,  Black Hawk Elementary, 2804 S 14 St; March 26, Sunnyside Elementary, 2040 Sunnyside; March 27, Grimes Elementary, 800 South St; March 28, North Hill Elementary, 825 N 9 St 

For More Information:  Call Administration office at 319-753-6791 ext 1409 

What: Trivia game, music, baked goods sale, mulligans for sale, prize for best team name and music artist costume; refreshments will be provided. $20 per person or $100 for team of 6. The NEST is a community initiative designed to improve the health of families, prenatally or with a child under the age of five years, through education.

When: March 30, 6 PM registration, 7 PM game

Where: Moose Lodge, 2529 Mt Pleasant St, Burlington

For More Information: Call Karen at 319-753-3150 or Melissa at 319-457-2625

What:  Start your training now for the Beaster Bunny 5K sponsored by Team BEAST. Get registered now for this loop run around the RecPlex. Visit getmeregistered.com to register.

When:  April 13, 8 AM

Where:  Burlington RecPlex, 501 S Broadway St, Burlington 

For More Information: Call 319-621-4450 or visit  Facebook

What:  Looking for a place to host a party for your kiddos that meet all of your needs? Plan your next party with us today! We offer several party packages for any price range. Let us do all the work!

When:  Book a party Monday - Saturday. Private parties available on Sundays.

Where:  Shug's Tiny Town, 3200 Agency St, Burlington

For More Information: Contact Ashley, Store Manager, at 319-754-7484 or visit  shugstinytown.com 

What:  Join SunnyBrook Assisted Living as we welcome Native American Dancer Rudy Vallejo. He will perform with a unique style of dance and valued traditions. Rudy's ancestry is American Indian, and he is a member of the Kickapoo and Pottawatomie tribes.

When: February 15, 2 PM

Where:  SunnyBrook Assisted Living,  5175 West Ave, Burlington

For More Information: Contact  Ashlee Hoskins at 319-470-3377 

What:  Dance to your favorite music to benefit Paradise CA Eagles Club and members who lost their homes in the California fires.

When: February 15, 8 - 11 PM

Where:  Burlington Eagles, 2727 Mt Pleasant St, Burlington

For More Information: Contact  Linda Fuller or 319-752-0639  

What:  Zaiser's Florist and Greenhouse Valentine Specials - roses, green plants, custom designs, flowering plants, candy, stuffed animals and gifts.

When: Through February15

Where: Zaiser's Florist and Greenhouse,  2400 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington

For More Information:  Email  or call 319-752-6871 

What:  Sign up at The Poker Room, Catfish Bend Casino, or at Player Services.

When: February 16, 1 PM

Where:   Catfish Bend Casino, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

For More Information: Contact Carole Halicki or  319-576-3026 

What:  Huck's Indoor Water Feature, Ballocity, SkyTrails and Snack Shack are open Presidents Day, February 18, from 9 AM - 5 PM.

Where:   Huck's Indoor Waterpark, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

For More Information: Call  319-753-2946 

What:  George really did chop down the cherry tree, and diners at the Edgewater Grille on Presidents Day get a free mini cherry pie with lunch or dinner.

When: February 18, 11 AM - 2 PM lunch; 5 - 9 PM dinner

Where:   Edgewater Grille, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

For More Information:  Contact  Carole Halicki  or  319-576-3026 

What:  Burlington City and Des Moines County Employees Blood Drive

When: February 19, 11:30 AM - 2 PM

Where:  Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St, Burlington

What:  The Camerata Woodwind Quintet from Western Illinois University will perform works by Anton Reicha and Carl Nielsen at the Burlington Lunchtime Chamber Music Series upcoming concert. The concert is 30 minutes in length (perfect for your lunch break) and is free and open to the public.

When: February 20, 12:15 PM

Where:  First United Methodist Church, 421 Washington St, Burlington

What: We have made several special purchases at our recent flooring convention at some amazing prices, and now it's time for us to pass our savings on to you. We are offering savings in every flooring category, and special 18 months free financing is available.

When: Now through February 23

Where:  Rheinschmidt's Flooring America, 1201 N Roosevelt Ave, Burlington

What:  The Mayors' Volunteer Awards program recognizes exceptional volunteers who have played key roles in fulfilling their agency's mission and goals during the last calendar year, or volunteers who have given 20 plus years of extraordinary service to an organization in the greater Burlington/West Burlington area. Organizations that wish to nominate volunteers need to submit their nominations no later than February 28. Each nominee will be recognized with a certificate at the April 2 awards dinner, and one winner will be selected in each of the seven categories.

When: Nominations accepted through February 28

Where:  Nominate at burlington.lib.ia.us

What:  Registration is now open for the Shamrock Shuffle, the St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk and color bursts, benefiting area programs for children and sponsored by Burlington Kiwanis. Entry forms must be submitted by March 4 for registration discount. Sponsorships are available to promote your business and support the after school programs.

When: March 16, 10 AM

Where:  Crapo Park, 2900 S Main St, Burlington 

For More Information:  Email,  register online or visit Facebook  

What:  Nationally acclaimed, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jerrod Niemann performs. Tickets start at just $25. Limited VIP tickets available - be closest to the stage with a private bar! Presented by Burlington Riverfront Entertainment and Great River Entertainment.

When: March 30, 7 PM doors open; 8 PM show

Where:  Memorial Auditorium, 200 N Front St, Burlington

For More Information: Contact David, 319-753-8111 x 3, or visit  burlingtonriverfront.com

What:  Join me every Wednesday at 7 PM, live on Facebook, for Suppers with Siarra. New meal ideas for your family using products I love!

Where:  Visit Facebook

For More Information: Visit Facebook

What:  Enjoy a classic Sunday Brunch Buffet at this and every Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM.

Where:  Bent River, 500 Jefferson St, Burlington

For More Information: Contact  Mike Anderson, 319-209-2773 or visit burlingtonbentriver.com

What: Russell Cellular now has a service for Roadside Assistance, Emergency Assistance/Crash Detection, Stolen Vehicle Location, Speed & Boundary Alerts, Vehicle Wi-Fi, and much more. The Verizon HUM+ and HUM X is great for teen drivers and for anyone who needs extra piece of mind while driving in the winter months! This service is only $10/mo and is available in the West Burlington Russell Cellular location.

Where: Russell Cellular, 116 W Agency Rd Ste 7, West Burlington

For More Information: Call Alyssa Greenwald at 319-758-0060 or russellcellular.com

What:  Seeking quality individuals to fill full-time Code Inspector II (Building Inspector) position and seasonal Parks & Recreation maintenance, concessions, and sales positions.

When: Positions open until filled

Where:  City of Burlington, 400 Washington St, Burlington 

For More Information: Visit  burlingtoniowa.org/jobs

What:  Seeking the right person to fill a full time Project Manager Assistant Administrative position.

When: Position open until filled

Where:  Carl A. Nelson & Company, 1815 Des Moines Ave, Burlington

For More Information:  Contact Marris Whitfield or 319-754-8415