Van Meter Community Development Corporation

The Van Meter Community Development Corporation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization located in Van Meter, Iowa. It was established in response to the absence of a local chamber of commerce to promote community growth and improve quality of life within the town.

History and Formation

In 2014, the Van Meter City Council recognized the need for an organization to facilitate collaboration between local businesses, community members, and non-profits. This led to the formation of the Van Meter Community Development Corporation as a hybrid model, combining elements of a chamber of commerce with broader community engagement.

Mission

The mission of the Van Meter Community Development Corporation is to collaborate with citizens and businesses to foster growth and enhance the quality of life in Van Meter. This involves organizing community events, supporting local initiatives, and facilitating partnerships between businesses, schools, and other non-profit groups.

Activities and Initiatives

• Community Events: The organization sponsors or participates in various local events, including the annual Sips & Snacks holiday business tours, the Light the Town Challenge, and Raccoon River Days. It also hosts new business ribbon-cutting ceremonies and provides assorted local sponsorships.
• Community Development Programs: These include involvement in programs like the Iowa Architectural Foundation Community Design Program and Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. The corporation has also led the design, construction, and funding of Way-Finding signage in the community.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: It collaborates with the Van Meter City Council on city projects and engages in grant research and applications to support community initiatives.

Structure

The organization is governed by an executive board consisting of seven members. As of the latest information, it has over thirty members, including local individuals, businesses, and other non-profits.

Non-Profit Status

The Van Meter Community Development Corporation is not funded by taxpayer money and operates as an independent entity separate from the City of Van Meter. It invites community groups to join under its umbrella, providing them with resources and the advantage of its non-profit status to enhance their efforts.

Membership

Membership with the Van Meter Community Development Corporation is free, and meetings are open to guests. The organization seeks to create synergies among community groups to promote collective growth and improvement.