MASON CITY – A Mason City business owner who accepted thousands of taxpayer dollars through the Micro-Enterprise program has spent a large portion of that money on candy bars, junk food and other questionable purchases, NorthIowaToday.com has discovered.
Receipts obtained by NIT from City Hall show that Roller City owner Tyler Anderson spent $1,752.09 of Mason City taxpayer dollars on items like blue raspberry syrup, Frito BBQ chips, Kit Kats, Snickers, Milky Ways, Twix, Snappy Yellow Popcorn, wrapped lollies and much more.
Anderson – who recently announced he has joined Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s election exploratory committee – refused comment on the matter when questioned last week by NIT. Bookmeyer has been a major supporter of the Micro-Enterprise program. The program is described as “help” for small business owners, who may receive up to $5,000 per year in taxpayer dollars.
“Acknowledging that the City is now a ‘Blue Zone’ do you feel that purchasing candy is a proper use of Micro-Enterprise funds?” Anderson was asked by NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt. “Also, how does the purchase of retail items like candy and t-shirts affect the long-term viability of your business?”
Bookmeyer and the Mason City Council were all asked similar questions.
“Understanding that you also have unanimously supported Mason City as a Blue Zone, do you believe this is a proper use of taxpayer dollars as you pursue this initiative? Do you believe enabling a business to sell junk food to kids is in the spirit of a Blue Zone?” Marquardt asked. “Furthermore, do you truly believe that it is the role of local government to purchase retail items for a business, so that they can turn around and re-sell them at a profit? How does this influence the long-term viability/success of a small business?”
Two council members who voted in favor of the Micro-Enterprise program, Alex Kuhn and Travis Hickey, were asked about the matter in person on July 16th and they promised to respond, but never did.
Records show that in 2011, Anderson entered into a contract to buy the property at 600 2nd Street NW from Thad and Michelle Seydel and that $9,310.00 in taxes will be due in September.
In addition to junk food, Anderson spent hundreds of dollars on items for re-sale like t-shirts and sweatshirts that cost about $1,585.00. He also bought a Macmini computer that cost $641.99.
Furthermore, NIT has learned that on December 13th, 2012, Anderson spent $624.39 at a Forest City business called Accelerated Wraps (see receipt, below). The Globe Gazette reported on January 30th, 2013 that “Accelerate Wraps president Kevin Breister moved his business to the building” in Forest City “also housing Competitive Advantage Sportswear Nov. 1 of last year.”
The Micro-Enterprise rules state that only purchases from Mason City businesses are allowed.
Roller City, according to its public Facebook page, is open a total of 8 hours per week.
Seeking clarification on how any business can be profitable while open only 8 hours each week, Marquardt asked Anderson “Is it true that Roller City is open only a total of 8 hours per week?”
Anderson again did not reply.
—————-
Micro-Enterprise dollars spent by Tyler Anderson for Roller City:
Accelerated Wraps (a Forest City business): $624.39
Macmini computer: $641.99
Sweatshirts and t-shirts: $1,585.00
Candy / junk food: $1,752.09
Roller City Hours as listed on its public Facebook page
Tue: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Emails sent to Mayor Eric Bookmeyer, Scott Tornquist, Alex Kuhn, John Lee, Travis Hickey, Jean Marinos, Janet Solberg:
—- EMAIL #1 —-
From: Matt Marquardt <northiowatoday@gmail.com>
to:mayor@masoncity.net,
kuhnatlarge@masoncity.net,
tornquistatlarge@masoncity.net,
Council Member John Lee <WardOne@masoncity.net>,
hickeywardtwo@masoncity.net,
wardthree@masoncity.net,
solbergwardfour@masoncity.net,
Brent Trout <btrout@masoncity.net>
date: Tue, Jul 16, 2013 at 12:36 PM
subject: Micro enterpise
Good afternoon,
It has come to my attention that a business participating in the Micro Enterprise program – unanimously approved/supported by you (mayor and council) – is using the funds (taxpayer dollars) to purchase candy bars and other junk food items and then re-sell them off its shelves.
Understanding that you also have unanimously supported Mason City as a Blue Zone, do you believe this is a proper use of taxpayer dollars as you purse this initiative? Do you believe enabling a business to sell junk food to kids is in the spirit of a Blue Zone?
Furthermore, do you truly believe that it is the role of local government to purchase retail items for a business, so that they can turn around and re-sell them at a profit? How does this influence the long-term viability/success of a small business?
Appreciate your answers, the public will be waiting to hear from all of you.
Matt Marquardt, NorthIowaToday.com Publisher
—- EMAIL #2 —-
from: Matt Marquardt <northiowatoday@gmail.com>
to: mayor@masoncity.net,
kuhnatlarge@masoncity.net,
tornquistatlarge@masoncity.net,
Council Member John Lee <WardOne@masoncity.net>,
hickeywardtwo@masoncity.net,
wardthree@masoncity.net,
solbergwardfour@masoncity.net
date: Fri, Jul 19, 2013 at 1:05 PM
subject: Tyler Anderson, Micro-Enterprise funds and campaign committee
Good afternoon Mr. Bookmeyer (and council),
NIT is completing an in-depth story on Tyler Anderson, a member of your election campaign committee and recipient of thousands of dollars in city taxpayer funds through the Micro-Enterprise program which you strongly endorsed.
I would like to ask you, why did you select Tyler Anderson to join your campaign committee? Did he ask to join or did you ask him? Do you believe it is possible Mr. Anderson joined your campaign because of the $5,000 in taxpayer funds he has received and will continue to receive every year as long as he is in business and the Micro-Enterprise program exists?
As I asked several days ago, I assume you are now aware that Mr. Anderson spent a very large portion of his city tax dollars through Micro-Enterprise on candy and junk food like blue raspberry syrup, Frito BBQ chips, Kit Kats, Snickers, Milky Ways, Twix, Snappy Yellow Popcorn, wrapped lollies and much more. He also purchased other retail items for re-sale like t-shirts and sweatshirts.
I would remind you, Mr. Bookmeyer (and council) that you have spent much time and undisclosed tax dollars on making Mason City a supposed healthy Blue Zone. Do you truly feel giving the money of the people of Mason city to a business to buy junk food is a wise way to spend taxpayer dollars? How does this work in a Blue Zone? Do you feel that this $5,000 was wisely spent by Mr. Anderson? Do you feel that helping a business to purchase retail items and then simply re-sell them is A) fair to other businesses selling similar items and B) has any positive long-term affect on Mr. Anderson’s business?
The people of Mason City will be expecting answers to these questions.
Matt Marquardt, NorthIowaToday.com Publisher
———————————–
Message sent from NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt to Tyler Anderson via Facebook on July 19th, 2013 at 12:40 PM and seen by Tyler Anderson at 12:47 PM:
Good afternoon Mr. Anderson. I am working on a story about you and Roller City. It has come to our attention that you have accepted Micro-Enterprise funds ($5,000) and spent a very large portion of those funds on candy bars and other junk food items. I would like to request some feedback from you for our story. Acknowledging that the City is now a “Blue Zone” do you feel that purchasing candy is a proper use of Micro-Enterprise funds? Also, how does the purchase of retail items like candy and t-shirts affect the long-term viability of your business? Also, is it true that Roller City is open only a total of 8 hours per week? Lastly, did you volunteer to join Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s campaign committee or did he ask you to join? How were you contacted about that?
Thank you for your answers.
Matt Marquardt, NorthIowaToday.com Publisher
———————————–
Message sent from NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt to Tyler Anderson via Facebook on July 22nd, 2013 at 2:31 PM:
Mr. Anderson, I see you are affiliated with Rhythm Church in Mason City as well as Candeo Church – of which Thad Seydel is part of the leadership – and that Seydel also owns the deed to the Roller City property. I further see that Candeo Church is expanding from Ames to Cedar Falls. Do you have plans to make Roller City into a church or make it part of a religious tax-exempt organization?
———————————–
RECEIPTS FROM CITY HALL
Accelerate wraps is a horrible business….the owner, who I have had to deal with, Kevin Briester, is an absolute jerk and I found out that he was over charging with his products which I shopped around the market and found out through different graphics companies that he intentionally over charges product and screws people out of their money. He is making false profits and I believe that there should be an investigation on that company. I’ve talked to other local business owners that have worked with him that have said that they were also screwed over by this company and will never go with accelerate wraps again because of faulty products that will fail and he will charge for any replacements which, he made the mistake…..does this make sense? Please do not use this shady company. NIT, please investigate on this company and all the mad former customers that will never go there again!!!!!!!
I have very fond memories of 1965 walking from Roosevelt Elementary to the YMCA shooting a game of pool & buying a very large Baby Ruth candy bar. I turned out OK.
(Accelerated Wraps is not in Forest City)
The business Tyler Anderson worked with is located in Forest City and has been there since November 1, 2012. The work was paid for on December 13th, 2012.
http://northiowatoday.com/2013/07/23/bookmeyer-campaign-member-blows-1750-city-tax-dollars-on-junk-food/accelerated-wraps-roller-city-2012/
Accelerate Wraps
https://www.facebook.com/AccelerateWraps/info
3240 Hwy 69 S.
Forest City, Iowa 50436
Website http://www.acceleratewraps.com
Website Registrant:
Accelerate Wraps
700 W Hwy 18
Garner, Iowa 50438
United States
Do you know the “forbidden items” were purchased with the micro-enterprise money? Tyler has done a lot of work to that building–all new ceiling tiles, new lighting, new sound equipment (which is run by the computer you listed, I’m sure), as well as new equipment for the concession area and new rental skates. When Al ran the rink, the summer hours were limited, too–it is too hard to compete with other summer activities, such as the pool and park and rec activities. I’m glad Tyler is revitalizing the rink; it was a big part of my childhood, and it is a good place for kids to go.
Well, that’s all good and fine, however taxpayers should not be buying businesses inventory for resale.
@kip winger……agree 100 percent. The intent of the micro enterprise was to use the money for improvements to the business computers, celing tiles etc. To use the money for inventory for re sale was not the intent. If that was the case then every business in town should apply and stock up.
by the way always loved your band kip winger
This site never ceases to amaze me. You guys really don’t know what you want do you? You accuse the city of only helping their “fat-cat cronnie” and not the “little guy” and then when they institute a program to help the “little guy” you scream about that. you accuse the city of doing nothing to encourage job growth in mason city and then when they institute programs that encourage expansion or start-up of small-businesses(Harley Davidson;Moormans;Roller City) you scream about that. Exactly what is it that you want? Matt, said he only want government to worry about essential services like roads and emergency services. Well thats fine if you want to sit here and watch this town dwindle to the point that local government can’t even aford to address these essential services(ie detroit). Mason Citys competion(other communities its size) are using these types of programs to enourage expansion and to recruit new business to thier community–the competition is fierce. If us locals are going to kick and scream every time the local governement uses one of these programs we are going to continue to cast a very negative image upon our prospects.
I also find it interesting that when a “friend” of NIT participates in one of these govt programs(suzie q) there isnt a big uproar–seems to be only when a “foe” participates.
@Dr. J-you have it all wrong. Rules were established and then broken. The old council voted this give away down for just this reason. The fraud opportunity is just to great in programs like this. If a business can’t stand on its own it should not be in business. The taxpayers should not have to subsidize a for profit business. It is B.S. to take taxpayer money that is meant to support city infastructure and services for something like this.
No rules were broken. The old council voted it down because they had no vision in addition to no brains. The program is very tightly controlled, which you would know if you would research it. All small businesses need help getting started – it used to be easier to obtain financing so cities all over the country came up with these incentive programs to spur economic growth.
You don’t need streets and sewers if your town dries up and blows away for lack of business. Duh.
sikastupd-you have it right. I’ve seen it time and time again on this site. everyone gets in a big uproar about some silly issue that really isnt an issue-the facts are scewed and manipulated to support the conspiricy and when someone who has actually researched the issue corrects the facts that person is either ridiculed or ignored.
NIT FAn-
suzie q isnt in the micro enterprise program but did recieve some type of grant or govt assistance. I enjoy NIT mostly for comic relief–but its becoming more and more obvious that the whole adjenda is to smear people/groups NIT doesnt like and look the other way when its an advertiser or friend.
People from Whittmore/Algona have no say in what happens here in Mason City. You take care of your town and we will take care of ours. You are nothing but a really fat trouble maker who does nothing but cause trouble. Now go away and stay away you hopeless clown.
see what i mean…..
They very tightly control raving lunatics from Algona with straight jackets I hear.
more evidence….if someone on this site presents the actual facts—or god forbid a diferent perspective…this is the type of response one gets from NIT and its “followers”(which I speculate are often one in the same).
Sure tells you a lot about the caliber of person we’re dealing with, doesn’t it?
Suzie Q is not in the micro enterprise program. And Matt never called anyone a “foe” as you say. Stop spreading lies.
Wow, I am amazed that you think that Harley-Davidson needed any money at all….They have more money than God… They just bullied the City with the threat of leaving town.. I was hoping that would happen. It would have been good riddance…. Of course the current leadership went for the deal– Bookmeyer is the biggest bully of all.
Moorman’s need money like we all need another hole in the head…. another elitist outfit getting taxpayer dollars…
Roller City– I agree that they should have been awarded the money– but the need to play by the rules. Clearly, that is not the case… Again another Bookmeyer deal…
It is easy to spend other peoples money– Bookmeyer himself only has the pittance of a salary from the City. He couldn’t afford his booze money or lifestyle, if his wife were not a physician…. It just comes naturally to someone who has it handed to him, is supposed to be a stay-at- home dad and takes his kids to daycare everyday…
Bookmeyer and his ilk are tearing this City apart, but by bit, taxpayer dollar by taxpayer dollar… I cannot wait to see him get booted out in the upcoming election…..
If he needed a job, he wouldn’t be qualified to say ” Would u like fries with that?? mainly because you have to be nice and smile, not sneer…. And Hy-vee expects a helpful smile in every aisle…
My workplace has been designated a blue zone, the vending machines have candy in them…whatcha gonna do about it!?
Mayor Blue zone will take care of it. Just tell us where the machine is and Book will clean it out.
Sounds like a potential Blue Zone violation, or perhaps your “company” got certified and it was all a fraud. Who is really policing this Blue Zone program? We know for a fact the city is not being truthful on the costs to taxpayers on this. Did the city buy the candy bars? That would be really messed up if it did.
Oh give it a rest. This story fell flat on its face because it’s a non-story. Get over it.
You seriously asked him if he planned to turn roller city into a church or a tax exempt facility?? Unbelievable. Do you ask every business owner those questions when you find out which church they belong to? Have you been to roller city to experience it? Not one time has Tyler or Thad EVER preached their church affiliations to ANY person that walks through those doors. I do not attend his church. Have you done research on what Tyler does for the community?? He sponsors many parks and recreation activities through roller city. Look at the 20 under 40 the globe gazette posted and you’ll see some of the many things he volunteers his time for. People are right. Just because the public hours are posted only 8 hours (in the summer) do you have any idea how many times roller city is open for private parties? Do you know how many fund raising events are held there? Do you know that kids eat candy? Do you research every member of the blue zone committee and police what they purchase? They are not all lean machines. I see nothing wrong with what Tyler has done. He’s following the rules. He is a great person and an asset to the community. As for him being targeted for being on a commitee with Bookmeyer, good for him for WANTING to help the community!
Mandy, is that you? Call me later… 😉
“I see nothing wrong with what Tyler has done. He’s following the rules.”
And the rules stipulate that we give him $5000 to buy inventory for his store. Don’t you see anything wrong with the rules?
You’ve totally missed the point. Blue Zones has nothing to do with this issue, however their is a bigger issue here!
Why are we all chipping in and giving tax money to small business owners? It’s crazy.
We should not be “all pitching in” like this, well said. What happened to the American Dream of starting your own business and doing the work your self and not begging everyone else for handouts? Nowadays, no one has any pride left. I would be totally embarrassed welching off my common man and neighbors for help with my business. If a business owner truly wants legitimate help, he should go go kickstarter.com and sign up there. I know the brewing guys did that and it worked out for them legitimately.
Matt, my friend, welcome to the republican party.
President Obama – July 13, 2012
“You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something — there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.”
Its the candy bar caper Bat Man.
Grants and Tax Dollars
My 2 cents:
Never, never should tax dollars be used to subsidize ANY business, period.
Why: Because you are forcing an existing business’s tax dollars to give tax dollars to a competitor. That is just plain wrong. That playing field of competition is no longer level.
This whole notion of promoting JOBS with the use of tax dollars is harming everyone. Plain and simple it’s unfair competition and harms the overall economy.
Government subsidies to any business destroys Free Enterprise. That in turn leads to poorer quality and service.
And the list goes on and on, but you get the point, I hope!
PS: one final example from right here in Mason City.
Once there was a business that sold Formica counter tops.
They decided they wanted to make their own and sell them instead of buying them from another manufacturer. They received a government grant, bought the necessary equipment and hired 3 employees at $8.00 per hours.
Here is the rub: The manufacturer that was building and supplying the Formica counter tops had to “lay off” 3 employees that were earning $15.70 per hour.
Now we have $7.70 per hour less in our economy, less to pay Federal, State, and Social Security Taxes.
How dumb is that?
From what I remember, there was a list that had who paid back the loans and who didn’t. I remember one who was in default for a LONG time and I don’t know if they ever paid it back in full was Maria’s Kitchen on the North End. I know there is a list and I know that it’s public record. Maybe a failure/success rate or questioning some of their successes or failures may lead you to some information there.
If you are talking about the loans the City gave to business property owners on N. Federal years ago, there was no payback required. The loans were forgivable and didn’t have to be paid back.
No, it was a Nano Loan from the Pappajohn Center and those DID need to be paid back. But this was a different program as Matt clarified when I emailed him.
I am sorry for my comment matt I guess I will have to agree with all your opinions on all issues so I won’t be banned. I am sorry I went against you all great and mighty blog king
Bookmeyer=bad
Council=bad
Globe Gazzette= bad
Janice=good
Schools=bad
LVS=great, the best
Just Matt being Matt. Wouldn’t get to worked up about it. Matt himself could go through the micro enterprise. But what he knows and won’t tell you is that this is administered through the papa John center. They go through your books and check your business model before just handing out the money. They also work with and help the business the best they can. From what I see and read on this site it is all about bashing bookmeyer and the city. Nothing more or less.
Interesting article. Not sure if this is all that big a deal. Buying candy for his business is about the equivalent of you hiring writers. Basic necessity.
When I saw Bookmeyers committee list, I was wondering if that was THIS Tyler Andersen. (I don’t mean that in a good way either) Glad you confirmed and are bringing this to everyone’s attention Matt.
I think this information is relevant and very informative. It just shows the continued abuses of taxpayers dollars and no oversight. NOw, if this was a business in the North End with some of what one on the council called ” low lifes” u can bet your butt that there would be no funding or they would have to have their receipts in triplicate and approved by the Mayor himself.
This is just the SSDD playing out once again in our fair city!!!
Matt, now you have me wondering about the other folks that joined Bookmeyer campaign. It truly seems there is a connection here. $5,000 to roller city and in return support the mayor. I just wonder if that is happening, I don’t know. Chicago-style corruption? Will you be doing stories on the other people that joined Bookmeyer’s exploratory committee?? I would love to read about the other connections.
Jesus, Matt.
I appreciate your insight here. One can only speculate on the connections between Mr. Bookmeyer, who is relatively new to town, and anyone else he is associated with until research is conducted on each relationship. My gut instinct tells me that something smells funny here, like a Snicker’s bar that sat out on the counter too long.
To answer your question, though, yes, NIT is working on more stories that will connect the dots between Bookmeyer and his crony collection. Which ones benefited and which ones did not? Who got schmoozed by the mayor and in return now back him for re-election?
Tune in to NIT to find out.
Hey Matt you really pissed of Sikastupd lol must be a Bookie lover or some other cronie as you call ’em. Way to go!
What makes you think I’m angry? I’m just educated – much more so than you, apparently.
I, for one, am very glad Roller City is open. My granddaughter had her birthday party there. While the place could use a few updates and maybe something to get rid of the musty smell, it gives our kids/grandkids some harmless fun. And is it okay with me if they have a treat while they’re there? Absolutely. I was a kid once. The food police need to take a break once in a while. (How about a donut break? 🙂
I, too, am glad that Roller City is open. I went there as a kid and have fond memories. However, the Micro Enterprise program has been abused here. Both technically and ethically. Mr. Anderson spent money with a business that is not based in Mason City. That is a violation. Ethically, as the city pursues a Blue Zone, and spends an undisclosed amount of tax dollars to accomplish this, Mr. Anderson bought hundreds of dollars in candy with taxpayer dollars. It it hypocritical of the city to allow this. Mr. Anderson lent his name to Mr. Bookmeyer’s campaign committee; one must wonder what his motivations are for getting involved politically here. I would tend to believe that Mr. Anderson wants to keep the $5,000 gravy train in operation and Bookmeyer will see that that happens, even it it means undermining his own Blue Zone. Bookmeyer will look the other way while Anderson spends city tax dollars as he so chooses. That is wrong for Mason City.
Mr. Anderson, I wish you well with your business, but I refuse to look the other way on your expenditures of my tax dollars while other small business owners ask for no city help and work hard everyday, many working more than 8 hours per week, to create success for their businesses.
He bought hundreds of dollars of BUSINESS SUPPLIES, which are allowed under the terms of this grant. There is nothing in the application that mentions buying supplies in Mason City. It says the business must BE in Mason City. The city has no say in the type of supplies each micro enterprise business uses. The funds are for small businesses that large investors overlook. It’s called economic development on a small scale.
This is much ado about nothing, Matt. This guy has his ducks in a row, as do other micro enterprise recipients – or we’d hear about it from the city. They keep a very close eye on these grants.
You’re not going to find a scandal here. Sorry.
Actually, Matt is right here. It clearly states “Participating businesses can receive reimbursement for pre-approved goods and/or services purchased within the city limits of Mason City.”
Reference http://www.niacc.edu/pappajohn/business-development/financing-your-business/microenterprise/
Oh – one more thing. Which small businesses have applied for grants and been turned down? You say that small businesses ask for help and don’t get it – give us some examples. Because the city is blind when it comes to eligibility. In fact, in our state the apps don’t even have a name on them – just a number.
So, tell us. Who as asked for help and been denied?
This is news? A buisness catering to kids has purchased candy? My God, Matt and the rest of NIT’s “journalists” will write about anything if they think it will smear those who they disagree with.
It only a big deal to NIT because he supports Bookmeyer.
In addition to the hours posted, I believe that Roller City also opens its doors for private parties and other groups that want to use their facilities at times not posted as open hours. I agree, this isn’t that big of a deal. Any business that caters to young people will probably carry candy as part of their attraction.
Also:
(Taken from their website)
We offer a variety of activities throughout the week. Be sure to visit our Facebook page for the latest updates. The following schedule is valid from May – August 2013.
Laser Tag Tuesdays: 6-9pm $8 Per Person
Play unlimited games of laser tag for only $8. A normal game of laser tag is $3 each. Bring your friends and compete against each other!
Saturday Afternoon – Open Skate: 1-4pm $6 Per Skater
Share some family time on Saturday afternoon during our Family Skate. Admission is $6 per person. SUMMER SKATING SPECIAL: Skate both the Saturday afternoon and evening session for only $10!
Saturday Evening – Open Skate: 7-10pm $7 Per Skater
Our most popular skating session. Exciting atmosphere, Jackpot Dice Game and much more!
Grab your friends and family and make your way to our open skate session on Saturday evenings! Admission is $7 per person. SUMMER SKATING SPECIAL: Skate both the Saturday afternoon and evening session for only $10!
Great investigating. You confirmed RC is open on Tuesday and Saturdays. They must be making a fortune.
Was someone discussing how much money they make? Is that an issue?
I can’t see anything wrong here. These are clearly start-up costs, and the Mayor and Council have no voice in what type of items are carried for resale by this business. A quick google search states that a grant recipient must meet the following criteria:
*be for-profit
*own or lease commercial space within the city limits of Mason City
*have less than nine full-time equivalent employees in the 12 months prior to entering the program
*must have been in business less than 5 years or have under $500,000 in annual revenues
The grant funds are in no way connected to the blue zone project. This is a small business incentive.
So, you are saying we should just give tax money to whoever has those qualifications with no control at all? What is to keep him from just putting the money in his pocket and taking off with it. The guy has been there for at least two years and has really not done anything to improve his business. Paying for candy does not improve a business. I think Matt has a right to ask those questions and get some answers. If they have nothing to hide why don’t they answer him?
Do you have even the vaguest concept of how this works, LVS? The process is long and very detailed, and administered more carefully than any other funding source. Nobody hands anybody money and wishes them luck, never to be heard from again. There is reporting, oversight and many strict guidelines that must be followed.
It’s the same with any grant – federal or local.
You don’t have the slightest idea what “this guy” has done to grow his business. Not a clue. And candy is absolutely part of the business – he makes a profit from it. Good grief.
As to why they haven’t responded? They’re probably still laughing.
Why should the city purchase retail items for any business simply so the business owner can set those items on a shelf until they are sold? That is not what I want my city government doing. First of all, this is unfair to other businesses that sell the same or similar items. Those other business owners should be questioning this program. Secondly, this does nothing for the long-term viability of the business; it gives them a short-term minor profit and really just allows them to use the city government as a crutch. City government should be focused on infrastructure, police, fire, water and sanitation. If city hall can use some TIF or waive a permit fee or provide some other help to any business, then fine. I would argue this program has failed and city hall should not be writing checks for these expenditures.
The city ISN’T buying items for reselling. The grant recipient bought supplies for his business with funds from his grant.
It absolutely provides long term help to tiny businesses to get up and running. It’s a leg up and no, you don’t get a say. It’s a smart program used all over the country to spur growth.
Are you saying you don’t want small business to thrive? I thought I read not long ago that you were mad because there weren’t enough jobs. How do you think jobs will appear?
This is why you need an educated economic development group and an open minded mayor and council. I don’t know Bookmeyer and don’t even live there, but he seems like a clown to me.
But HE IS NOT THIS. These are good programs with growth in mind.
Mr. Anderson opened his business in 2011. Exactly how long does he need “to get up and running”?
Are you saying that when Mr. Anderson bought Snickers, Milky Ways, taffy and other junk food that he did not then re-sell it at his concession stand? Did he eat it himself? Get real.
You also say that “no, you don’t get a say.” Well, I beg to differ, my friend. I just reached 50,000+ unique visitors who read my say. I am also a voter who will get my say and maybe more in November.
Some help for you, the uninformed:
From http://www.niacc.edu/pappajohn/business-development/financing-your-business/microenterprise/ :
Among the requirements to participate in the Micro-Enterprise program:
“There is no truly ‘free’ money. As a condition of getting taxpayer funds:”
– “The business must submit receipts from pre-approved purchases of goods and/or services from Mason City businesses in order to receive reimbursement (Online purchases are not eligible).”
Also: “Participating businesses can receive reimbursement for pre-approved goods and/or services purchased within the city limits of Mason City.”
Last I checked, Forest City is about 28 miles northwest of Mason City.
From a City Hall news release:
“In addition, each micro enterprise needs to take steps to improve their chances for long-term business success.”
I guess if you sell enough Snappy Yellow Popcorn, anything is possible.
Matt, this has nothing to do with you! It has nothing to do with bookmeyer! It’s a program implemented by the city in conjunction with Pappajohn and another group! This is done all the time!
Yes, of course he resold the candy! That’s called business supplies! He’s in a business that uses candy as a portion of its income!
I don’t know who you’re going to vote against – this is a council approved program, and there’s no one person responsible, my friend.
Having a lot of readers does not make you right.
It’s hard to keep up with all your names, Matt, but I’ll try. You do not have a smoking gun.
It does NOT say that purchases out of the city are not permitted. It also says “to be reimbursed”. Do you know if the Forest City purchase was reimbursed? Do you?
Why would this surprise anyone. I would expect nothing else from the bunch we have elected to our council. It is the old you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. This is exactly the reason the old council voted it down. It sure looks like the taxpayers are financing his business. There is no way he can earn the money to pay the taxes only being open 8 hours p/week. We had better watch out as they will be trying to defer his taxes next.
To “Steve”: Comment removed. Clean it up or face a long-term ban. Or perhaps reveal yourself and your motivations for making such a disgusting remark.
– Matt Marquardt
Hey Palmer-go kiss the mayors butt. You are good at that.
What?? I am NOT “steve”. Just what did I say that needs to be cleaned up? I’ve never used profanity. Please explain, Matt.
Disregard the earlier comment. I removed it and made the appropriate comment.
I have a feeling the person who posted this was not Matt. He always uses his name in the heading.