Innovative Outstanding Weatherization Assistance News, January 2003. Vol.1, no.1

This is the first of what we hope will be a quarterly newsletter for the Iowa Weatherization Program. The purpose of the newsletter is to share with you information on all aspects of the program as well as spotlight a couple of agencies in each issue. We will provide information on upcoming events, training schedules, monitoring schedules and general news about the program. There will be a section of questions we have received from you and the answers provided. The section called Speed Bumps lists various problems Mike has found during state inspections. Chris Taylor, who is our editor-in-chief, will be contacting agencies for information. This can include staff news, program highlights or any other news fit to print. If there is anything you would like to see included in the newsletter or have information to get out to everyone, please let us know.

Innovative Outstanding Weatherization Assistance News, April 2003. Vol.1, no.2

The 2002-2003 Weatherization Program has just come to an end and we would like to take the time to thank you for an excellent year serving the population of Iowa. As always, it was a pleasure working with each and every one of you. We have recently had a new addition to the weatherization family. A hearty welcome is extended to Mike Creeden, the new Weatherization Coordinator at North Iowa. Agencies were recently sent their HEAP and DOE contracts. Once the HEAP contracts are received by our office and signed by the Administrator, they will be promptly returned for your files. The DOE signature pages will be returned to each agency, once DOE has approved the state plan. In the meantime, should you have any questions, feel free to contact our office. There was a change in this year’s utility contracts; a maximum of twelve bulbs may be replaced per house, at a maximum of $10 per bulb. WAMS in Access 2000 is just about ready for use. Be looking for it’s release soon. Look forward to Pressure Diagnostic and TI- 86 training July 8-9 and 22-23. If you are interested in hosting this training, please contact our office.

Annual Report of the Iowa Grape and Wine Development Commission for Fiscal Year, 2008

FY2008 was a productive year for the Iowa Grape and Wine Development Commission. Sixteen proposals were recommended for funding from FY2008 funds and carryover totaling just over $396,000 in outlays. Included in the approved proposals were staffing and equipment for the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute’s wine diagnostics laboratory at Iowa State University, continued support for the viticulturist position at Des Moines Area Community College, funding for the second annual Mid-American Wine Competition, and assistance for marketing and promotion of Ice coats an Iowa vineyard after a February 2008 ice storm. Photo by Mike White and courtesy of Iowa State University. 16 two wine trail associations and seven festivals and events. Commission funding supported a salaried position within IDALS to manage the Iowa Grape and Wine Development Fund and to serve as the Director of the Iowa Grape and Wine Development Commission. The Commission approved funding for a Scholarship Program. The formally created Scholarship Committee met twice in FY2008 to finalize details for the Program and to approve scholarships to twenty-six applicants to aid with the expenses of accredited coursework. Based on data collected by IDALS, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, and Iowa State University the Iowa grape and wine industry appears to continue to be very viable and growth continues at a strong pace. Presently, Iowa ranks 14th in the nation for the number of wineries, and wine produced in the state for 2008 was estimated at a market value in excess of $14.0 million. A tabulation of the budget revealed that just over $1,080,000 in wine gallonage tax appropriations and legislative appropriations have been deposited into the Grape and Wine Development Fund from FY2003 through FY2008. Removing encumbered funds, expenditures have totaled just over $942,500 during that same time. “Financial” funding – used for fostering public awareness and participation of industry events - increased from 6% of expenditures in FY2007 to 9% in FY2008. Used for support of research, education, and outreach, a little over 80% of expenditures and encumbered funds were earmarked for “Technical” spending. Over time, funds invested in “Technical” programs will translate into an increasingly educated and institutionally-supported industry. Local, regional, and statewide events also appeared to be increasing in popularity. The Commission was encouraged to see increased support for these events. It is hoped, too, that the Scholarship Program will provide needed funding to help meet the educational goals of the industry’s workforce. As they continue to support Iowa’s grape and wine industry, the Commissioners look forward to working with individuals, commercial enterprises, state and federal agencies, and industry-sponsored institutions in FY2009 and in years to come.