Residents, visitors alike zipped through Bettendorf 52722 Day

Bettendorf’s long-awaited ZIP code party, from the city’s fast-growing north end to its historic riverfront, provided an opportunity for businesses and organizations to strut their stuff, to thank customers and make new ones, and, in the process, find out a little more about the city they call home. Friday, May 27, 2022 (5-27-22, as in […]

Bettendorf’s long-awaited ZIP code party, from the city’s fast-growing north end to its historic riverfront, provided an opportunity for businesses and organizations to strut their stuff, to thank customers and make new ones, and, in the process, find out a little more about the city they call home. Friday, May 27, 2022 (5-27-22, as in Bettendorf’s ZIP code) dawned gray and drizzly, causing some of those planning outdoor events a few worries, but by the time the afternoon arrived, sunshine and 70-degree temperatures brought people outdoors to enjoy food, beers crafted just for the occasion, live music, outdoor recreation, special retail promotions, and to take part in the city-sponsored scavenger hunt.

In the process, both organizers and participants say it was a welcome chance for the city of 40,000 to come together. “It was like an ‘all-around-town’ open house,” said Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher, whose trek across the community to at least 40 locations was documented throughout the day on Facebook Live. That included being unceremoniously dropped into a chilly pool of water — by Bettendorf Economic Development Director Jeff Reiter — after 13 minutes in the dunk tank at BankOrion’s branch on Middle Road. Reflecting on the ZIP code party a few days later, Mr. Gallagher said it accomplished several things. “I think what was emphasized was the amount of people and number of businesses that wanted to take part in a uniquely Bettendorf event,” he told the QCBJ. “We’re blessed to have many folks who come here to work every day, but when they had an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than their business, they jumped on board with a whimsical theme, like the ZIP code. I think it emphasized that it was fun to live here and to work here.” It also was a logical lead-in to the long Memorial Day weekend, which included graduation ceremonies for both Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley high schools, and kicked off summer. The ZIP Code Celebration culminated in the Be Downtown annual event on Saturday, June 4.

Mr. Gallagher also said that several businesspeople told him that it gave them the chance to work with colleagues at nearby businesses as well as with those who shared a building or shopping complex. “Folks were very happy that they had an increase in foot traffic, but more happy that they were part of a communitywide event,” he said. More than 100 businesses and organizations listed ZIP code day promotions on a city website. “The good will created by the businesses may bring future business,” he said. And while another “Date meets ZIP” day wouldn’t occur in Bettendorf for another 100 years, on May 27, 2122, Mr. Gallagher said, “May 27, 2023 is a Saturday … could we do a ZIP code plus 1 to kick off the Memorial Day weekend? We’re always looking for good ideas.” Here’s a glimpse of what happened throughout Bettendorf on that day:

Alter Building Veterans’ Celebration

The celebration day kicked off with an event that helped “shine a light” on veterans, their service to the country and their sacrifices. The Alter Building celebration on May 27 highlighted that service to the country as dozens gathered for festivities outside the office building at 2117 State St. The day’s programs included presentations by area veterans’ groups, messages of support for vets and their families and a display of military and trucking equipment. “It’s just so important to shine a light on these veterans,” said Greg Adamson, Bettendorf Fourth Ward alderman and an Army veteran, who helped emcee the program. “It’s really cool to see the people out here honoring the veterans.” One of the people at the celebration was Jeff Goldstein, CEO of the Alter Co., and the Goldstein Group. He was pleased with the event because it was a great way to “build community” and honor veterans.

Geifman First Equity

Among the businesses that opened their doors to the public were Geifman First Equity and Shive-Hattery Architecture & Engineering, which occupy a new state-of-the-art building in the growing business park north of 53rd Avenue. At Geifman First Equity, Steve Geifman, managing partner and president, and Sarah Van Acker, director of operations, were eager to show off the company’s GIFT room and explain its unique contribution to the community. Also on board was chairman Richard Geifman, now retired. The Geifman family’s business roots run deep in the Quad Cities, as a small grocery business bought by George Geifman in 1921 grew into the Geifman Food Stores which were located throughout the region. Today, the commercial and real estate development and management company continues with a substantial footprint in the area. GIFT, which stands for Geifman Iowa Family Trust, was created as a way to give back to the community.  The spacious GIFT room — fully equipped with a kitchenette, Wi-Fi, large TV and boasting a serene view of the outdoors — is available to book for meetings or community get-togethers. It is free for non-profit organizations to use. Others may reserve it for a donation to the GIFT fund, which goes to the Quad Cities Community Foundation to be given to local charities. “One of the families that came in for the tour had fond memories of visiting the Geifman Food Stores back in the day,” Ms. Van Acker said. “They also booked the GIFT Room for a baby shower that is happening in July.”

Quad City Bank & Trust

The ice cream truck parked outside the Bettendorf branch of Quad City Bank & Trust (QCBT) on Middle Road had a steady line of people waiting to get their cool treat in the warm sun. Branch Manager Marcus Wynn said nearly 300 people were served ice cream between 2 and 5 p.m. and “countless others” stopped inside the bank to enjoy popcorn and register to win a Loyal to Local gift basket. “While the event drew our customers, it also allowed non-customers to stop in and see what our bank is all about as well. We were able to gain some new clients due to our participation in the event,” he said. Mr. Wynn said 52722 Day “was an opportunity for us to continue to show Bettendorf and the surrounding Quad Cities that QCBT is Loyal to Local. We not only do business in Bettendorf, but our employees live here, too, so we all take pride in where we are from.” Janelle Carter, first vice president of treasury management, noted that QCBT was founded in Bettendorf more than 25 years ago. “We love our community, and we love to be involved in community activities,” she said. “And who doesn’t like ice cream?”

Butterflies, Foam and Fun at Veterans Memorial Park

When a group of nine faith communities accepted the city’s invitation to plan a family-friendly event for 52722 Day, the organizers had no idea what the turnout would be. As it turned out, they had no reason for concern. At 6 p.m., parking was at a premium at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf as families filled the park, enjoying attractions including butterfly tents, a bounce house, and a foam cannon that continuously spewed bubbly fun for kids to frolic in. Musicians played contemporary Christian music in the bandshell. Pastor Troy Winder from Bettendorf Presbyterian Church said the faith group formed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We decided we needed to stand together, and we discussed how faith communities can support the greater community,” he said. Zoom meetings turned into in-person meetings. Faith groups joining Bettendorf Presbyterian in hosting the 52722 event were: Asbury United Methodist Church, Christ’s Family Church, Heritage Church, Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Muslim Community of the Quad Cities, Pleasant View Baptist Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Salvation Army. Pastor Winder said the 52722 event was important for several reasons. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to just come together, to be with one another,” he said. “There’s no agenda. It’s just pure fun, like a parade for no reason. People are starved for a sense of community. That was taken away from us for so long.”

The Summit of Bettendorf

The outdoor party at Bettendorf’s newest landmark at 53rd Avenue and Middle Road drew a lively mix of participants — residents, employees, their families, those interested in getting information about the senior living facility, and neighbors who walked over from the residential subdivision across the road. There was fun for all, from bounce houses and face painting for children to a wine and beer tent for adults, lawn games, food truck offerings from Café Fresh and Kona Ice, a pet costume contest, and a DJ from classic rock station 97X. It was a proud moment for The Summit, which celebrated its open house just a few weeks earlier, said Erica Schroeder-Cerda, the director of sales. “It’s just really neat to see our community come together because they are so proud of what The Summit has become,” she said. “It was not only pride in being part of the Bettendorf ZIP code, the residents were so proud to show off our community, too. It was certainly a wonderful celebration.” Ms. Schroeder-Cerda said follow-up calls are being made to those who expressed interest in the facility and took tours. “People said they had a wonderful time and said (The Summit) it’s such a different concept,” she added. The Summit offers 105 independent living apartments, 17 assisted apartments, 16 assisted living memory support apartments, 20 private long-term care suites, and 20 private suites for short-term rehab. “When I’m talking to families choosing to make The Summit their home, many of them have roots here, and they already know that Bettendorf is a place to call home,” she said. Many remember the area as farmland, “but now they’ve seen the growth. For many of them, that’s important. They want to be a part of an active, busy place.”

The Forge at Palmer Hills

In the morning, as employees prepared to welcome golfers to The Forge, Mr. Gallagher dropped by to make a few putts and do a live Facebook broadcast from the city-owned golf course. The Forge was offering a special on six holes plus a commemorative golf ball for $10. As the mayor rushed off to his next ZIP Code stop, Andi Proksch and her four children — Eli, Stella, Joel and Penelope — arrived, spotting a life-sized cutout of Second Ward Alderman Scott Naumann. It was one of the stops for a scavenger hunt put on by the city to encourage people to get out and discover the city. Winners of several $527.22 cash prizes were announced at Be Downtown. “We were done with online school, and this looked like a fun thing to do,” the proud mother said. Cutouts of other city leaders and first responders were strategically placed at locations like the Jetty Park on the Mississippi River, the city’s pickleball courts, and Splash Landing, among other places. “It was a fun way to explore the city outside of our normal locations,” Ms. Proksch said. “It was fun to see and try out parks the kids had never been to before.” Eager to move on, Eli read the next clue to find the cutout image of Alderman At Large Lisa Brown. “On to the next one!” It seemed to be the slogan of the day for many ZIP code partiers.

Party on  

There were so many community businesses and organizations interested in participating that the Zip Code Celebration actually lasted nine days — culminating with Be Downtown. Throughout the week, Bettendorf retailers and restaurants got involved with specials and discounts, many of which sought to be clever using the 5-27-22 reference in pricing or sales. 

Be Downtown

Music, games, food and prizes highlighted the Be Downtown Celebration on Saturday, June 4. It was the finale to the Zip Code Day week of events and was presented by the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO). Some of the events included a fitness workout, live music, a food truck and food booths, a hands-on science station by Absolute Science, a bags tournament and bounce houses for children. A cool, cloudy morning and threat of rain greeted the opening hours but still dozens of people, many with their own lawn chairs, showed up to enjoy the events. The celebration kicked off with the classic rock music from the Panic River Band, and dozens of competitors in an 11 a.m. bags tournament. At the start of the celebration, DBO Executive Director Ryan Jantzi said Be Downtown was also a celebration of the many accomplishments that have taken place in the downtown area. Some of those include new businesses coming to the area, new buildings going up and the completion of the new Interstate 74 bridge, which could easily be seen from the Be Downtown celebration site at 15th and State streets. The event also included late-night music at three downtown businesses: Harley Corin’s, featuring the band Code 415; Riverside Grille with North of 40; and Purgatory’s Pub featuring Crooked Cactus and Toxic Blonde. “It’s been an awesome week in Bettendorf,” said Mr. Gallagher, who attended the daytime activities at Be Downtown. “All this has gone on without a hitch. I’m glad people are here at Be Downtown.”  QCBJ Content Editor Dave Thompson contributed to this story.