Last modified Thu, May 29, 2008
 


PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM


The Partnership Program of the Southern Iowa Council of Governments' (SICOG) is a program that combines resources with various groups that have an economic interest in Southern Iowa. The partners invest for varying combinations of growth, economic opportunity, program development and technical assistance. The Board of Director directs the SICOG and Mr. Timothy J Ostroski, Executive Director, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization. SICOG identifies strategies to achieve its objective and provides professional quality assistance to improve the social economic characteristics in Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor and Union Counties. Under normal conditions, the SICOG provides assistance to its members (incorporated cities and counties). In times of unusual or special conditions SICOG may assist non-members (other than cities and counties) for temporary or opportunistic purposes such as housing, industrial development, job creation/retention, commercial development, subdivision development, housing buy-downs/ rehabilitation, tax incentives and legislative liaison.
Clarke County Dev. Corp

Partnership Prospectus

Partnership Investments

Partnership Investments are contributed by non-members to SICOG to raise capital. The Partners, in essence, buy "equity" in the region and assist in improving the general living conditions of the area. These improvements are the "dividend" paid for investing in the program. When a Partner buy equity in SICOG they become a part owner of the concept of the Southern Iowa Council of Governments. Partnership investments may be contributed on four (4) levels including Bronze: ($250), Silver ($500), Gold ($1,000) and Platinum ($2,500).


Objectives and Strategies

The Partnership Program's contribution objective is to seek long-term economic and community growth by investing staff resources and time to primarily assist with Research and Development of New and Innovative Programs, Affordable Housing, Technical Assistance, Job Creation, Technology Improvements and Web Page development and expansion.


Partnership Program Strategies

The Program will normally use at least 75% of contributions made in staff resource to assist with the development of the area. Mr. Timothy Ostroski, the Partnership Program's manager, selects activities according to the economic environment and the attractiveness of particular funding programs, the timeliness of the activity, and competitiveness of the program.

Activity Characteristics

The SICOG looks for activities when utilizing the contributions with the following characteristics:


ÿ Research and Development of New and Innovative Programs

ÿ Affordable Housing
ÿ Technical Assistance
ÿ Job Creation
ÿ Technology Improvements
ÿ Web Page presents

The Program also seek opportunities that are deemed to be attractive due to special factors, such as:

ÿ New Announced Programs or funding
ÿ Technical Assistance related to Job Creation
ÿ Technical Assistance related to Job Retention
ÿ Affordable Housing Program Opportunities
ÿ Legislative Opportunities.

Contribution Risks

Investments (contributions) made in the Partnership Program in activities are not particularly subject to the risk of changing economic, industry and company conditions or the risks inherent in management’s ability to anticipate such changes.

Past Performance

The tables indicate SICOG's performance on an average annual returns for one year, three years, and the life of the organization. Performance figures are from inception (June 1, 1973 through December 31, 2000). One (1) Year Performance figures are from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000. Three (3) Year Performance figures are from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2000. As with all activities, past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Partnership Program will perform in the future.

More About the Partnership Program


Introduction

During the past year, the Board of Directors has implemented a Partnership Program to facilitate new resources and activities to benefit the eight counties making up the Southern Iowa Council of Governments area.
This year the Partnership Program will begin July 1, 2001, this will follow our member cities and counties fiscal year. The information that follows explains the program and describes the benefits of the program. We would like you to respond to the Partnership Program offerings promptly, so we may be implemented as quickly as possible. A return form is enclosed for your response.

Why This Program?

To obtain needed resources for 2001 opportunities-
The region has significant opportunities in state and national programs and legislation such as flood mapping, rural development, housing, and economic development programs. Special endeavors could be undertaken to strengthen SICOG data/census centers, Geographic Information System, affordable housing programs, land use mapping and staff professional development. Currently, SICOG requires additional resources to pursue opportunities that will have an overall beneficial effect for the cities and counties of Southern Iowa.

To meet growing diversity of needs and interests

During the last decade and into the new century, the activities carried out by SICOG have become very diverse. Cities, counties, and development corporations have different needs, programs and interests. This makes it increasingly difficult for SICOG to be responsive to everybody in providing sound programs as well as the ability to provide technical assistance for special project and programs.


To increase involvement and cost equity

More programs and projects have been undertaken during the past than ever before. These projects require more time and staff resources than during the past. Greater resources and equity can be achieved by instituting the Partnership Program.

Mission & Programs

The basic philosophy of the Southern Iowa Council of Governments is that all groups making up the community are essential to promoting, advancing and developing the living conditions of its citizens. One way that this goal is realized in Area XIV is by cities, counties, financial institutions, utility companies, lawyers, Realtors, and local development corporations and others all working collectively with each other and through SICOG.

Through a cost-sharing approach since 1973, professional technical services have been made available and affordable for all local governments in the eight-county region.

SICOG services have traditionally been supported through a basic per capita charge paid by all SICOG members and by various state and federal sources of funding. Over the years, SICOG has promoted that its activities have benefited local government when in fact our activities have benefited all segments and all economic sectors.

The primary focus of the PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM is to continue to provide the same quality service in the future as we have in the past. Technology has evolved and we at SICOG would like to evolve with it in order to advance the area that we serve.

This is where the Partnership Program has its roots. The intent is for our Partnership Program to help us help all the cities, counties, and people of Area XIV.
Copyright © 2008 SICOG - Southern Iowa Council of Governments - Equal Opportunity Employer