The Iowa Quad Cities Chamber is working closely with the City of Bettendorf on its downtown development and retention. The community will face a significant challenge when construction begins on the I-74 Bridge. Approximately 28 local businesses will need to relocate as a result of the construction.

Downtown leaders and chamber staff have been working with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the City in an effort to identify and assist businesses who will be affected during this multi-year construction project. The Development Committee has evolved as a downtown specific task force. Along with City and chamber staff, the bulk of task force members are Bettendorf downtown business owners and operators.

The most recent meeting involved 20 members and supporters met to receive updates on the bridge and dsicussed ways to retain and attract businesses to the downtown area. 

They received a presentation from Doug Rick of Iowa DOT on the bridge status and Decker Ploehn, city administrator covered funding efforts.

Following an energized discussion, the group encouraged the formation of a Downtown Business Association. Jeff Lanum, president of Russell Electric agreed to serve as the initial chair of the new organization. He will lead the group in forming goals and objectives to create an energy and thematic platform for the greater Bettendorf downtown.

During the meeting, many ideas came forward including planting yellow flowers throughout downtown. This idea seemed to resonate with the other members. Together, the Iowa Quad Cities Chamber and the City of Bettendorf will work on securing financial support for the purchase of the flowers and lend organizational support as needed.

Other suggestions included creation of green space through plantings and landscaping; clean up empty lots; purchase abandoned properties and explore community gardens in open areas.