This week I find myself at odds with some of my friends and acquaintances on the issue of whether the public should purchase the FACC and rescue it from it’s current financial crisis. People that know me are aware that I don’t normally align along the usual party lines across all issues, however on this issue I seem to have made some friends and acquaintances angry with me. In response to my opposition to the FACC bailout; I’ve been accused of spreading disinformation, not knowing the facts, being irresponsible and one friend in particular has accused me of “being unfair to our community” in my role as one of the editors of Fairfield Voice.

The irony in all this is I was not going to post my own opinion piece on the issue, but now that I’ve had a taste of the Pro FACC steamroller I feel compelled to raise a voice on this issue that I feel needs to be heard rather than flattened.

Vote NO And Enact Plan B

A city councilman recently accused me of spreading disinformation because I have been vocal about my opinion that we should vote NO and therefore pressure private parties to purchase the FACC. Let me make my logic clear so that this council member (and other FACC bailout supporters) will stop spreading misinformation about my opinion.

The FACC board continues to paint this picture that they are a new management team with new direction and that the FACC is a great asset and investment. I will assume this is true — people I know and respect are involved with the FACC. Assuming that the FACC is being run by skilled professionals, then we can assume they have a plan B. It would be irresponsible not to have a backup plan.

What is plan B? I speculate that it’s a private party or parties covering the debt and assuming the risk. And of course no one knows about plan B because if it was made public, you’d never have a chance of getting the tax payers to foot the bill.

What if I’m wrong — what if the vote fails on May 4th and plan B never materializes? Well then my answer is that we, the public, just saved ourselves from a bad investment.

It’s easy for thousands of people to vote on the allocation of tax revenue they don’t have to immediately pull out of their pockets — and vote yes on spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on an ailing business because all their friends say it’s a good idea. But, that doesn’t mean it’s a great investment. Now if the private money in this town (and there’s a lot of it in this town), invests in the FACC, then that’s telling. That means someone who has made a lot of money, or a group of people who have confidence in the future of the business, thinks the FACC is in the right direction.

So, vote NO. Let’s see what plan B is. Let’s see if anyone else will assume the risk and validate that the FACC is really a worthy investment. If a private party assumes the role of rescuer, then we all win. If there is no plan B, if no one steps up . . . then we know that the FACC is probably not the sustainable business model we’re being sold. And everyone in the community can rethink the proposal, and the FACC will be forced to come with a new plan. I reject this ticking time bomb scenario that if we all don’t vote yes now, then a black hole appears where the FACC currently sits and “Fairfield’s reputation will be damaged.”

Which brings me to:

You’re Either With The FACC Or Ignorant

I’m not sure if it’s calculated or not, but the FACC has made great attempts to control the current debate by staking claim to “the facts”. That’s just about all you hear when you voice an opinion they don’t like. You’re told to go to their website and get the facts. Your opinion doesn’t count until you go get their facts, at which point I guess you will suddenly agree with their position and then you too can own the facts.

It’s patronizing.

The FACC can speculate laundry lists of scenarios if the you vote NO, but if you speculate a scenario they don’t like . . . time to go to their website and get the facts!

The Pro FACC Brigade also wants you to think that once you understand all their facts, you are logically bound to conclude that your tax dollars should fund them. They don’t recognize opinions opposing the plan as anything but uneducated until you’ve either “talked to Rustin” or gone to the website and read “the facts”.

This past week I read dozens of Facebook posts and blog comments that were in support of the FACC ballot measure. However when I posted my opinion against the ballot measure, I was told to stop “encouraging people to vote no” until I talked to members of the FACC board (to get the facts I’m sure).

It works like this:

* Update your Facebook status in support of funding the FACC – you’re simply expressing an educated opinion.
* Update your Facebook status in support of NOT funding the FACC – you’re “spreading disinformation” and “encouraging people to vote no” (those quotes are from real responses I got on Facebook), and of course you need to “get the facts”.

If this wasn’t about giving up hundreds of thousands of dollars of our tax revenue, it would be comical. But this isn’t a joke – it’s a red flag. Let’s ignore for a moment that I have any other concerns over the FACC bailout. When one side tries to assume this type of righteous posture, it only polarizes the community more, and in my opinion is a sign that you should reconsider participation in that posture. In other words, if you’re standing for and promoting the FACC deal, step back for a minute and consider why you’ve come to that opinion. Is it fear? Is it because you’re a donor? Is it because everyone in your political alignment is doing it?

The Most Important Fact: The FACC Does Not Have All The Facts

This is another reason why we need to vote NO and put pressure on FACC to find private investment, corporate sponsorship or other options. Because I can guarantee you – private money would not vote yes on this deal as it exists today. Why? Because neither FACC board members nor City Council members are clear on the terms of the deal. Isn’t that crazy?!

We’re being pressured to vote yes, and hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax revenue, yet the terms of the deal are to be negotiated AFTER THE VOTE. In an email on April 27th, Bob Moore (FACC Board Member) describes the terms of the lease being proposed if the City assumes ownership:

We have not worked out the terms of the lease with the City relative to specific term, lease amount (other than it will be a nominal amount for some period of time). It’s also possible that if the FACC is ever able to generate positive cash flow without donations, the city may want some sort of additional compensation. No specific terms have been negotiated.

Are you kidding me? No offense to Bob Moore whom I respect a great deal, but it is absolutely irresponsible for the City Council and the FACC board to allow this measure to go up for election without these terms ironed out and presented to the public. This type of negligence with tax dollars offends me and it should offend you!

This IS A BAILOUT

When you see someone giving their support for the FACC on Facebook or in front of the City Council, note down their name, and then go here and view the list of the people who have donated/invested in the FACC. So far I’ve found a match every-time with one exception. It’s not surprising they are encouraging you to vote yes in order to secure their investment with your tax dollars.

You can call this ballot measure whatever you like, but at the end of the day, it is a bailout. And I don’t blame donors for wanting to take the easy road and have other tax payers help bailout their investment. But it’s the wrong choice. You absolutely need to vote down this measure and force the City, the FACC, the donors and the community to rethink the deal. I will gladly support the right deal, but this isn’t it.

Yes, it’s been a while since our last Fairfield Story, but I’m back to tell you about Rustin Lippincott.

Recruited to Fairfield to be the Executive Director of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Rustin was soon asked to become the Executive Director of the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center as well.

A single dad, who recently became engaged to Lindsay Haskins of Cedar Falls, Rustin is a native Iowan having grown up in Ft. Madison where he competed in wrestling, football, and baseball.

After college, Rustin worked in an ad agency in Cedar Falls which tapped his innate talent to promote. After the agency, he worked for the Cedar Valley Catholic school district, where he marketed the value and benefits of a religious education and the student athletes – whom he was integrally involved with as their football and wrestling coach. Not only did he hone his promotional skills there, but he also learned a lesson about how the decisions not-for-profit boards make for the good of the organization are not always the most popular in the community.

He was soon recruited by the city of  Nauvoo to lead efforts to promote their unique community as the director of their Convention and Visitors Bureau. In Nauvoo, Rustin had the opportunity to promote a piece of American history, and became as passionate about promoting Nauvoo and its history to prospective visitors as the residents were about their community.  Ironically, Nauvoo had a unique set of challenges, as the people who had lived there for generations were initially at odds with newcomers. Those newcomers were the Mormons who regard Nauvoo as a major part of their religious history. As a result, many have chosen to reside there and many Mormon visitors from around the world are drawn there – sound somewhat familiar?

Rustin has gleaned a lot from each of these experiences. Most notably, his ability to find the balance between unique groups and to galvanize their individual passions to become one that  promotes the economic values of tourism. Which, as Rustin aptly puts it “gets each group to where they want to go.”

This is not only true of the City of Fairfield, but in his role at the FACC where he seeks to mend fences and to bring everyone in town with a stake in the future of Fairfield to join together to support the Center for the betterment of the entire community.

Rustin resides in town with his daughter Jada, and when asked what he loves most about Fairfield, he sincerely had trouble keeping his response to less than 20 minutes. So when pressed, he summed it up as being with Jada and to attend events as a regular guy having fun with family and friends – to not be “on the job.” He loves to eat out in town and while doing so, to people watch,  thoroughly enjoying Fairfield’s diversity.

In addition to running the CVB and the FACC, Rustin serves on the boards of the Fairfield Beautification Commission, FPAC, The Volunteer Center and Rotary. He is also Iowa’s representative on the Tri-State Development and Tourism Taskforce as well as the VP of Marketing for the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association.

Rustin believes that Fairfield’s  unique selling proposition is that we are like a big city in small town Iowa. We’re heavily influenced by arts and culture and a strong manufacturing community, yet supported by Midwestern values. He believes we have the “best of both worlds” right here in our backyard. And he wants residents to come out and experience everything that visitors are coming to Fairfield to do and to enjoy our community as much as they do.

His role with the FACC is a natural, as it is one of the many assets we have that draw meetings and visitors to town. What he loves about it, is that the FACC provides residents with a great venue to host activities and to feature the community’s talents. He also loves that it’s a gathering place for all generations -  kids, adults, and seniors. Rustin is working hard for it to become the entertainment hub in Fairfield doing everything from hosting weddings and the high school prom, to trade shows, and featuring performers of all kinds. With all that the Center provides the community, he just wants it  to be on peoples’ minds when they are looking for something to do to have fun. To be in the mix and to be known as a place where there is always something to do for practically everyone in town…

Rustin clearly loves both of his jobs. He is passionate about promoting the unique community that Fairfield has become. For as he likes to say “Fairfield offers something for everyone, and you don’t have to look very far for something that will make you smile.”

And smiles are something that Rustin Lippincott always seems to have something to do with…

The following is a letter from FACC Board Chairman Bob Moore, as originally posted on the FACC blog.

Dear Patrons, Friends, and Supporters of the FACC,

Last year, under the leadership of Executive Director Rustin Lippincott, the FACC underwent a dynamic and positive shift by presenting a broad variety of affordable events that appealed to a high percentage of our local residents and which attracted approximately 17,000 out of town visitors. One significant result of this management transformation was that Center revenues grew over 400% last year. Mayor Ed Malloy along with many other Fairfield residents, civic and business leaders see the Center as a significant, irreplaceable Community asset for two primary reasons:

Quality of Life

photo by Will Merydith

1. A continuing and broad choice of top entertainment and cultural events for families and adults, without having to drive to Cedar Rapids, Des Moines or Iowa City.
2. A multi-functional, spacious location for parties, indoor markets and wedding receptions.
3. A place to get to know your neighbors better while having an enjoyable, relaxed time.

Economic Impact

1. Out of town visitors that came to Fairfield because of Center events generated an estimated $3,000,000 in additional spending in Fairfield in 2009.
2. Even during a recession and with traffic routed around Fairfield with the new bypass, Fairfield’s local option tax collections rose by 1% last year.
3. Local employers acknowledge the FACC as an important local feature for recruiting and retaining talented and skilled employees.
4. Over 100 local organizations have had successful meetings and events at the FACC.

The FACC building in itself represents our community working together for economic growth and improved quality of life.

Facilities like the FACC generally are constructed and operated to serve the community and rarely break even without community support. If you live in the Fairfield area, you are likely aware that even with our success in 2009, our recent business planning has clarified the need to become debt free and to establish an annual fundraising campaign to operate at breakeven each year.

Debt Free Plan

We are currently underway with a plan to eliminate our debt via a public/private partnership with the City of Fairfield, its residents, Iowa State Bank, the USDA, and our individual and business donors by raising a total of $1.6 million. To date, Iowa State Bank, the Fairfield City Council, the FACC Board of Directors and several key FACC donors have already made firm commitments to this plan.

Annual Fund Plan

photo by Guy Harvey

In December we launched our “300 for 100” Annual Fund Campaign to raise $360,000 by June 30th for needed capital improvements and operating funds in 2010. If only 300 businesses and individuals donate an average of $100 per month, we’re confident that the Civic Center will remain healthy, grow and continue to serve our community. Over the past three months, we have already raised $123,000 (34%) of these funds.

You may be interested to know that by May 1st we plan to insure that the FACC property remains under local control by:

1. Appealing to local businesses and individuals who have the committed vision and resources to invest in Fairfield’s long-term growth. We are raising $950,000 from this group, $550,000 of which has already been raised.
2. Helping more Fairfield citizens see and feel how the Center directly and meaningfully benefits their lives so that on May 4th, they will support passage of the referendum to permit the City to own the Center free and clear through a reallocation of approximately ½ of the 25% portion of its community betterment local option sales tax collections over a 9 or 10 year period ($650,000 in total).

As a patron of The Fairfield Arts & Convention Centerthere are a number of ways you can help secure its future:

1. Continue coming to Center events that appeal to you, and encourage your friends to do so. Also, your patronage is important at Fairfield’s other venues that present live entertainment such as – Morningstar Studio, Café Paradiso Red Rock Tavern, and Revelations. Every venue is an important contributor to Fairfield’s richness.
2. Become more informed about our 2010 business plan and the May 4th referendum by reading this website or contacting Rustin or any of our board members.
3. Support the FACC financially. Make an instant donation, or download a donation card which provides several payment options, including monthly automatic payments.
4. Vote on May 4th in favor of local option sales tax referendum.
5. Help us educate your friends and neighbors about how the Center enriches our community and family life and about the importance of voting Yes on May 4th.

Thank you for your past and future support.

Sincerely,

Bob Moore
President
FACC Board of Directors

As an integral part of its ongoing efforts to support the FACC, the “300 for 100” program will raise the $360,000 necessary to supplement 2010 revenues, acquire needed furnishings and equipment, and seed an endowment fund.

“Not unlike similar facilities across the country, the FACC requires  a donor supported annual fund to ensure its sustainability” commented FACC fundraising chairman Bob Ferguson. “The 300 for 100 campaign will go a long way towards enabling the Center to continue to provide its far reaching social and economic benefits to the citizens of Fairfield.”

The campaign seeks to capitalize on the positive momentum the Center has already experienced with fundraising, having raised $460,000 in 2009 from hundreds of businesses, organizations, and individuals.

With an initial focus on those prior donors, the campaign’s goal is to encourage 300 people to donate an average of $100 a month. Primarily through a mailing initiative in December, the Center has already raised $123,000 toward its $360,000 goal.

The FACC board will initiate another phase of the campaign this week by personally contacting prior donors. The campaign will also be supported by: an informational kiosk in the Civic Center lobby, inserts within programs at FACC events, the Center’s Facebook Fan Page, the FACC website, and www.FairfieldCenterInfo.com – which in addition to containing an updated FACC business plan, allows individuals to contribute online.

Image by Guy Harvey

The Fairfield Entrepreneurs Association (FEA), Fairfield Economic Development Association (FEDA) and Fairfield First announced the 2010 Local Economy Stimulus program, including a new micro-enterprise loan and access to equity capital, at the third annual Local Economy Summit held on Saturday, February 13 at Fairfield Public Library and attended by 50 people.

The Community Vitality Center recently awarded a $10,000 matching grant to Pathfinders Resource and Conservation District, FEA, Hometown Harvest of Southeast Iowa, and the Sustainable Living Coalition. The grant will be used to provide micro-enterprise loans for local food and energy-savings entrepreneurs in Southeast Iowa, as well as technical assistance and consulting services for those companies.

Elisabet Humble, local food coordinator for Hometown Harvest of Southeast Iowa, and John Dey, one of the owners of Everybody’s, said market demand was strong for more local food production. Dey suggested adding additional greenhouses in Fairfield to supply the local market.

Part of the CVC grant will be used to complete a feasibility study for a solar-heater hot water revolving loan fund for residents in Fairfield. According, to Lonnie Gamble, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Living at MUM, hot water uses 25% of the energy in an average home.

Dave Neff from Iowa State Bank said that plans are in the works for local bankers to provide renewable energy home improvement loans similar to the Fairfield Revitalization loan program. Neff also stated that Iowa State Bank was encouraging companies to take advantage of SBA loan financing this year because the loan guarantee is 90% with no loan fees for applications submitted prior to September 2010.

Burt Chojnowski reported that he was able to help secure a $6 million investment in a $75 million regional capital fund that will be actively seeking investments in Fairfield-based information technology, web-based, software, and specialty food businesses.

Brett Willett, Vice President of FEDA, reported that he and his staff have been working with Fairfield’s top 40 employers to nurture and support retention and expansion of jobs and training within Fairfield’s existing workforce.

Fairfield’s business sector is expected to see a 20% energy savings this year, according to Fairfield’s Green Business Council President, Ken Ross, CEO of Global ID. The Green Business Council includes manufacturers, office building owners, and non-profit building owners. The group has developed a game plan to audit and apply best technology and conservation practices to save money for local businesses.

Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenues have increased annually by 40% since 2001, according to Mayor Ed Malloy. He said the increase was due to the revitalization of Fairfield’s downtown retail economy due to Buy Local campaigns, the Revitalization Loan Program, Fairfield Art Walk, and Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (FACC). When asked it the May 4th election to use 12.5% of the LOST revenues to purchase the FACC would take away from other needed programs, Mayor Malloy said that these funds are discretionary and are not currently allocated for any other use. He also said that the expected purchase price of $1.15 million would be a way to protect the city’s previous investment of $1.6 million. Burt Chojnowski added that the $2.75 million total investment by the city was much less than the $8 million value of the property. Bob Ferguson, in charge of the fund-raising committee for FACC, said they have launched a 300 for $100 program to provide ongoing operational support and sustainability for FACC—and that a new initiative to secure 300 individuals or business pledges of $100 per month was underway.

FEA announced the publication of the 2010 Fairfield Business Review that will include the Fairfield entrepreneurial story and profiles of area businesses. The last Fairfield Business Review was published in 1980, and the 2010 edition will be available in print and online. The benefit for local businesses is to help tell their stories, increase customers, attract employees, and improve Internet search engine placement. Mario Van Dijk, FEA President, also announced a six-month mentoring program in marketing and social media to be led by Mark Cohen of Colloquy beginning in February.

Song: “Baby I Need Your Loving” by the Four Tops

Featuring the talent of Fairfield, Iowa. From the Saturday Night at the Sondheim Concert Series Motown R&B, January 29-31, 2010.

The Four Tops are (l-r): Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy, KRUU-FM station manager James Moore, Frank Cenatori, and Robert Reeder.

Back Up Vocals (l-r): by Adrien Daller, Meret Giacomini and Katherine Thauwald The Soul Revue
Band:
Will Gunn: Band Coordinator, Bass
Kent Hofmeister: Drums
Frank Cenatori: Guitar
Richard Hulley: Guitar
Future rock star Theo Shier: Guitar
Robert Reeder: Percussion Coordinator, Congas, Tambourine
Fred Swartz: Vibes, Congas, Tambourine
Koray Ozturk: Tambourine, Percussion
Doug Daller: Director, Piano, Organ, Electric Piano The Soul Revue Horns:
Fred Hucke: Arrangements, Trumpet, French Horn
Max Sloat: Trumpet
Ethan Newman: Trumpet
Jerry Runyan: Trombone
Dara Craul: Tenor Saxophone
Joe Mandarin: Alto Saxophone
Hanah Graber: Tenor Saxophone
Hanna Keller: Baritone Saxophone
Kahlise Rotondi: Flute
Lauren Holt: Electric Violin