2007 TADC NEWSLETTER

December 6, 2007

 Seasons Greeting from the TADC!

             2007 is drawing to a close, and what a memorable year it has been for Templeton. The biggest event, of course, was the quasquicentennial celebration held on July 6, 7, and 8^th. After two years of preparation, the week-end was a huge success, bringing large crowds to Templeton despite the hot temperatures. All of these visitors witnessed firsthand the great community that we have. The Saturday parade went very well, and was a highlight of the celebration.

            After having a Jason Aldean country western concert in 2005 and again in 2006, this year the headliner was Phil Vassar for the concert held on August 30^th. The event brought a great crowd and was a good fundraiser for the community.

            In addition to the quasqui celebration and the country western concert, the other biggest newsmaker was the continued success and expansion of the Templeton Rye distillery. The TADC had been leasing the distillery property to Templeton Rye Spirits LLC since November of 2005. Product sales and projections have been such that, this summer, TRS LLC purchased the distillery property located on Lot 3, and also Lots 1 and 2, all in the TADC Second Addition. A 9000 square feet barrel warehouse is currently under construction. In August, the product expanded beyond Iowa, with a promotional bus trip to Chicago to kick off a move into the Chicago market. A number of Templetonians were on the bus, and a good time was had by all. We wish the company great and continued success.

            Main Street and the central business district also saw new construction and expansion this year. The addition to the Templeton Savings Bank has been completed, providing a large confer-ence room and an additional office. The Still is adding on to the restaurant, enlarging the kitchen and storage area. Trophies Plus completed its relocation to the former Templeton Building and Home Center. The new location has proven to be a great fit for Trophies Plus and its growing work force. This summer, West Central Cooperative installed a very large grain drying system, which has the potential to substantially increase the co-op’s natural gas usage. As a result, the Manning Gas utility is considering the possibility of running another gas line to Templeton next summer.

            The Templeton housing market seems to be holding its own. There are currently 2 homes under construction in Templeton. City officials, in conjunction with JEO Engineering of Carroll, have begun preliminary work to expand the West Ridge housing development to the north. The number of additional lots has yet to be determined, with the development work taking place gradually in 2008 and 2009.

            In addition to the distillery project, the TADC has been working on other things as well. The Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC) has wanted to acquire land options on larger parcels, 120 acres or more, for future industrial sites. The TADC (and other development groups) and CADC worked together on this. As a result, the TADC now has an option on 120 acres (including the railroad right of way) belonging to the Harriet Miller family; the land is located 2 miles east of Templeton on the blacktop. The location has the necessary features for a large industrial site, including rail access, a hard surface road, and proximity to a major highway, being only a half mile off of Highway 71. The CADC will put together a prospectus on the land and will do the marketing and promotion, looking for prospects in conjunction with the TADC. We would hope to find one buyer/business for the entire parcel. The CADC was instrumental in acquiring the land option from the Miller family; the TADC would not have attempted on its own to acquire the option and do the subsequent marketing……The TADC also has an option in place on 10 acres, east of Industrial Road in the business park, belonging to Vern Behrens. The TADC is in the planning stages with JEO and city officials to see if exercising this option is financially feasible. There would be considerable engineering and dirt work necessary, in addition to the cost of the 10 acres itself. This purchase is being considered because the TADC is running out of lots to offer to prospects, which is a nice problem to have. If this project comes together, the land would be purchased in 2008 so that landscaping and infrastructure improvements could proceed in a timely manner.

            The revolving loan fund administered by the Templeton Telephone Company has considerable money available. At a minimum, this low interest business loan program requires that at least three new jobs be created within a two year time period in order to be considered for funding. Please contact the telephone office if you have a business project in mind.

            As you can see, this has been an exceptional year in the Templeton community. The various topics in this newsletter are examples of the progressive attitude that exists in our community. The TADC asks you to share in this positive attitude by considering a membership in our organization. A membership for 2008 costs $30.00. Larger contributions would be much appreciated! Please send your check in the enclosed envelope, or drop off a check to the Templeton Savings Bank. As always, if you have questions or suggestions for the TADC, please feel free to contact any board member. Have a great holiday season, and we hope to see all the members at the annual meeting in February.

                                                                                    TADC Board of Directors

Nick Romey                                         Bill Prebeck                                          Eugene Meiners

Larry Sporrer                                       Pat Snyder                                           Ken Behrens

Chris Danner                                        Dave Schoeppner                                 Gary Rupiper

Peg Weitl                                             Doyle Engelen