What a time to be taking the reigns as chairman of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, and indeed the city of Council Bluffs, has truly become known as 'Iowa's Leading Edge.' Using the CB 21 Strategic Plan as our guide, the Chamber will continue to work with our strategic partners to develop and implement strategies to accomplish our major priorities.

Our ability to identify and creatively address the growing needs of the community have become models in the state and the envy of many.

Our participation in the Iowa Chamber Alliance has allowed us to be on the cutting edge of growth issues facing the legislature and for being part of the new solution for growth in Iowa. This next year promises to be another exciting year of growth and change for the Chamber and the community.

As the Mid-America Recreation & Convention Complex continues to take shape, and we look forward to its grand opening later this year, we face new opportunities and challenges.

We plan to take Council Bluffs to new heights in entertainment possibilities and to become a major market destination for conventions, meetings, special events, tour groups and leisure travelers from southwest Iowa and the entire Midwest.

Our challenge lies in creating and funding new, cutting-edge ways to market the area to these new realms to maximize the impact of these new facilities on our economy. Your Chamber will play a major role in meeting that challenge.

We have been and will continue to be aggressive in meeting the challenge for a new school infrastructure program that will fund needed infrastructure improvements in our Pottawattamie County school systems. In addition, we have been and will continue to be aggressive in pursuing growth issues such as annexation, transportation infrastructure, housing, economic development and tax issues that will allow Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa to prosper.

The gaming referendum of 2002 will also be a major issue facing the Chamber and Pottawattamie County voters. Your Chamber will play an aggressive role in moving that issue forward as well.

And, as always, we will continue what we have started with business retention, redevelopment, political involvement and a host of other successful programs. Our membership programs and committees will continue with the successes of the past, and our board and staff will continue to work for the betterment of our community.

We face some challenging and exciting times. It is our intent to stick to the CB 21 Strategic Plan and continue our aggressive approach to growing Council Bluffs and providing superior service to our members.

We believe that we have the formula for success. We hope you will continue to be a part of our efforts.

Chamber Mission Statement

MISSION

The mission of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce is to act as an advocate for the business community to stimulate and promote the retention and creation of quality jobs, expansion of the tax base and improvement of the quality of life in the Council Bluffs area.

VISION

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce is the premier business leadership organization providing leading-edge programs and services to its members, new and existing business and industry and local governments having the desire to make a positive impact on the area.

PRIORITIES

• Implement effective, cooperative economic development programs, which stimulate new, good-paying jobs in the area and serve to expand and grow the tax base of the area.
• Lead efforts to maintain and continue to develop the tourism industry in the area and stimulate new tourism dollars for the area and its businesses.
• Develop, implement and monitor transportation and infrastructure programs that assist in developing growth areas in the region.
• Assist in the expansion of the tax base and the improved image of the area through the redevelopment of slum and blight and under-utilized properties.
• Assist in the on-going image development efforts of the area.
• Assist in the development, coordination and implementation of quality-of-life projects and services in the area, including education, the arts and culture and recreational opportunities.
• Act as an advocate for business in the government and regulatory arena and develop advocacy programs to address anti-growth, anti-business issues.
• Stimulate new leadership development and citizen involvement to assure continued growth in the area.
• Develop and implement small business programs, which address the growing needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Calender of EventsJanuary

Through Jan. 6 - Winterfest's Winter Wonderland of Lights, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly, Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. 18-foot flowing fountain of lights, animated displays, Victorian silhouette ice skaters, more than 250 tree ornaments. www.councilbluffsiowa.com (712) 325-1000

Monthly Concert Series - Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, 1 Harrah's Blvd. (712) 329-6000

Jan. 12 - Winterfest's first Deep Drifts, an evening of Tall and Frosty Tales, 7 p.m., Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave. Presented by amateur and professional storytellers. (712) 323-7553

Jan. 15 - April 15 - Polish Wood-Carving Art Exhibit, Mormon Trail Center, 3215 State St, Omaha. 125 wood carvings of historic religious topics on display. (402) 453-9372

Jan. 19 - Winterfest's Frozen Golf Classic,10 a.m., Dodge Park, 4041 W Broadway. Nine-hole winter golf outing. (712) 328-4652

Jan. 19 - 20 - Winterfest's Adult Snow Softball Invitational, 10 a.m., Council Bluffs Recreation Complex, 2900 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 328-4652

Jan. 20 - Winterfest's Ice-Sculpting Competition, Ameristar Casino Hotel, 2200 River Rd. Sanctioned by National Ice Carving Association. Open to amateurs and professionals. Competition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., judging to begin at 4:15 p.m. Cash prizes awarded. www.ameristars.com (712) 328-8888 (877) IM-A-STAR

Jan. 26 - Winterfest's $25,000 Ice-Fishing Derby, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Manawa State Park. Hundreds of fish tagged for gifts and cash prizes. Chili cook-off, prizes awarded for best-decorated ice house, largest bluegill, crappie, walleye and catfish. Pre-registration deadline Jan. 19. (712) 325-1000 www.councilbluffsiowa.com

Jan. 27 - Winterfest's Downhill Ski Races and Snowboarding Competition, Mount Crescent Ski Area, 17026 Snowhill Lane, Honey Creek, IA; 2 miles north of Crescent off Iowa Highway 183. Snowboarding competition 11 a.m., ski races 2 p.m. All ages.

(712) 545-3850

February

Feb. 1 - Library's Second Annual Winterfest Flake Out Spelldown, 7 p.m., Community Hall, 205 S Main. Teams of three. (712) 323-7553

Feb. 1 - 17 - "Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.," Chanticleer Theatre, 830 Franklin Ave. Show times 8 p.m., Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday. Presented by the Council Bluffs Children's Theater. (712) 323-9955

Feb. 9 - Winterfest's Snowflake Dance, 7 p.m. to midnight, Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, 1 Harrah's Blvd. Music by "On the Fritz." Co-sponsored by Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center. Proceeds benefit support services for cancer patients and families. (712) 325-8970

Feb. 17 - Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Sunday Afternoon Lecture, 2 p.m., Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 366-4900

March

March 15 - 17 - 17th Annual Business and Travel Expo 2002, Mall of the Bluffs, 1751 Madison Ave. More than 100 businesses ranging from home improvement, car dealers, job opportunities to travel agencies and entertainment. (712) 325-1000

March 15 - 31 - "Harvey," Chanticleer Theatre, 830 Franklin Ave. Show times 8 p.m., Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday. (712) 323-9955

March 17 - Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Sunday Afternoon Lecture, 2 p.m. Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 366-4900

March 21 - 24 Big Band Festival, Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. (800) 238-2946

March 23 - Lake Manawa Easter Egg Hunt, Lake Manawa State Park, Interstate 80, Exit 3. (712) 328-4650

April

April 6 - Celebrate Wildflowers, Prairie Grass and Back to Daylight Savings Time. Lecture series, special exhibits, 1 to 4 p.m. Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. Sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa. (712) 366-4900

April 15 - Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Sunday Afternoon Lecture, 2 p.m. Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 366-4900

May

May through October - Lewis & Clark traveling elderhostels, Iowa Western Community College. Call (800) 432-5852, Ext. 3210 for dates and locations.

May 10 - 26 - "South Pacific," Chanticleer Theatre, 830 Franklin Ave. Show times 8 p.m., Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday. (712) 323-9955

May 13 - 19 - Council Bluffs Pride Week, evening activities, carnival and jamborees in Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. Pride Parade through downtown May 18. (712) 328-4650

May 18 - Narrows River Day Festival, celebration of natural and cultural history of the Missouri River, Interstate 29 at North 25th St, Exit 55. (712) 328-5638

May 19 - Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Sunday Afternoon Lecture. 2 p.m. Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 366-4900

June

June 1 - American Heart Association's Bluffs Challenge Cup, 10K and 3-mile runs/walk beginning and ending at Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. (712) 322-4755

June 5 through Aug. 14, Bluffs Arts Council Summer Art Series. Free noon concert every Wednesday in Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. (712) 328-4992

June 14 - 16 - Bluffs Arts Council Renaissance Faire of the Midlands, Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Rd. Mirth, merriment, jousting, magic, music, games, theater, Wee Folke's Glen, costumed characters. Hours 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.faire.org (402) 345-5401, (712) 328-4992

June 10 -16 - Iowa Western Community College Elderhostel, Clarinda. For further information call (800) 432-5852, Ext. 3210

June 14 - 22 - College World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium, 1202 Bert Murphy Dr, Omaha. (402) 554-4404

June 20 - 23 Big Band Festival, regional performers Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. (712) 323-2500

July

Fireworks Extravaganzas

• Ameristar Casino Hotel, call for date (712) 328-8888
• Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, 1 Harrah's Blvd.
• (712) 329-6000. Call for date.
• Omaha-World Herald Fireworks, Rosenblatt Stadium, 1202 Bert Murphy Dr, Omaha. Call for date. (402) 734-2550, Ext. 71
• Lake Manawa. Call for date. (712) 366-0220

July 6 - Fifth Annual Bluffs Run BBQ Festival, Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. Sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Association. www.bluffsrun.com (712) 323-2500, Ext. 1746

Through Aug. 14 Bluffs Arts Council Summer Art Series - Free noon concerts where indicated July 18 - 21.

July 20 - 21 - Sixth Annual Images of Elvis Contest, Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. Impersonators from across country compete for cash prizes and chance to qualify for national competition in Memphis, Tenn. www.bluffsrun.com (712) 323-2500, Ext. 1743

July 24 - 28 - Westfair, West Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds, Exit 8 off Interstate 80. Exhibits, crafts, carnival rides, special stage, grandstand shows.

(712) 322-3400

July 25 - 30 - Lewis & Clark Elderhostel, sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Contact Iowa Western Community College for registration and fees. (712) 325-3210

July 27 - 28 - Lewis & Clark Living History Weekend, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 366-4900

August

Bluffs Arts Council Evening Concert, 7:30 p.m. Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. Call for date. (712) 328-4992

Aug. 2 - 3 - Beatlemania Fest, Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. (712) 323-2500

Aug. 14 - 18 - Third Annual Polka Fest, noon to midnight, Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. (712) 323-2500

Aug. 16 - 18 - Lighter Than Air Balloon Fair, Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Rd. Hot air balloon lift, model airplane shows, kite flyers, chili cook off and bands. (712) 325-3282

Aug. 17 - Real Maple Syrup Pancake Feed. Syrup tapped from trees, Botna Bend County Park, Interstate 80. Take Avoca Exit, go 9 miles south on Highway 59 to Hancock, IA. (712) 328-5638

September

Sept. 1 - Main Street Dance, '50s-style street dance, 7:30 p.m. to midnight, Main and Broadway streets, sponsored by Council Bluffs Jaycees. (712) 325-1000

Sept. 7 - 8 - Carstens Farmstead Annual Farm Days. (712) 544-2404

Sept. 16 - Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Sunday Afternoon Lecture, 2 p.m. Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. (712) 366-4900

Sept. 22 - 27 - Iowa Western Community College Elderhostel in Walnut. Call (800) 432-5852, Ext. 3210

Sept. 28 - 29 - River City Roundup, Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. Mid-American Woodcarvers Association demonstration/sale. (712) 366-4900

October

Oct. 1 - 31 - Hayrack rides to the pumpkin patch, pleasure rides, bonfires, behind-the-scene tour of haunted house, pumpkin driving range (clubs and miniature pumpkins provided), 10-foot tall pumpkin guillotine. Pioneer Trail Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, 21534 Chestnut Rd, 2 miles south of Iowa School for the Deaf, 1 mile east on Pioneer Trail Rd. www.ptapples.com (712) 366-1505

Oct. 6 - 11 - Iowa Western Community College Elderhostel in Elkhorn/Kimballton. Call (800) 432-5852, Ext. 3210

Oct. 17 - 20 - Big Band Festival. Bluffs Run Casino, 2701 23rd Ave. (712) 323-2500

Oct. 27 - Goblins on the Green. Contest for best homemade costumes and carved pumpkins. Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. (712) 328-3344

November/December

Nov. 25 through Jan. 13 - Winterfest's Winter Wonderland of Lights, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly, Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. 18-foot flowing fountain of lights, animated displays, Victorian silhouette ice skaters, more than 250 tree ornaments. www.councilbluffsiowa.com (712) 325-1000

Nov. 25 - Winterfest's Lighting Ceremony, 6 to 8 p.m., Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. Crowning of the Fourth Winterfest King and Queen. Horse-drawn carriage rides to view lights. Reception afterward to preview upcoming Winterfest events. www.councilbluffsiowa.com (712) 325-1000

Nov. 23 - Dec. 23 - Gingerbread Display, Mormon Trail Center, 3215 State St., Omaha. (402) 453-9372

Nov. 23 - Dec. 29 - Christmas at the Depot. Tour the 1899 Historic Rock Island/RailsWest Railroad Museum, 16th Avenue and South Main St., Weekends 1 to 5 p.m. (712) 323-5182

Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Christmas at the Historic Gen. Dodge House, 605 Third St. Lavish, 14-room mansion, decorated in Victorian splendor, tree display in every room. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. (712) 322-2406

Dec. 6 - Tea & Memories 2002 Southwest Iowa Alzheimer's Association benefit. Exhibit of vintage and modern tea sets along with related treasures belonging to southwest Iowa families. Ameristar Casino Hotel, 2200 River Rd. (402) 572-3059

Dec. 8 - 9 - Iowa Western Community College Concert. Concert Choir and First Edition. Hours 3 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m., Monday, Southwest Iowa Performing Arts Center, Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Rd. ejohnson@iwcc.cc.ia.us. (712) 388-7145

Dec. 14 - Santa's Workshop. (712) 328-4650

Iowa Western Community College Concert. Iowa Western Band and Kanesville Chorus, 2 p.m., Southwest Iowa Performing Arts Center, Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Rd. ejohnson@iwcc.cc.ia.us. Call for date. (712) 388-7145

Nebraska Health Systems/ University Hospital
987420 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000

Orth Chiropractic Clinic
1702 W Broadway, Suite 7
Council Bluffs, IA 51501-3830
(712) 323-0400

Ridge Family Practice, PC
201 Ridge St, Suite 201
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 322-5899

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