Links:

The Gateway Web Site

Replica Page

The Latest News First Sign completed and the night lights are installed! The sign is up at our first location, and it's absolutely spectacular. We are on our way to raising the financing for the construction of Gateway number 2. As we reach the end of our first campaign year, having built one sign (that means we are on schedule as expected), we want to begin building our next sign in the spring. Our US20 West location is assured, having been contributed by our contractor, Mike Portzen of Portzen Construction. The content of this website below contains all kinds of support material and back story for our committee's records, and it's a living document of our progress. It will serve as a textbook example of how to raise money and reach consensus on such a project. Meanwhile, the first sign construction was a fantastic success, from the first application for funds from our first sponsor, the Dubuque Racing Association, to the dedication and christening of the finished sign in June 2004, just in time for the Grand Excursion event at America's River Port of Dubuque. New Gary Olsen Print Benefits Gateway Project Our unveiling ceremony of Gary Olsen's print and campaign kickoff for the fund raising effort that will be the Gateway Project was a spectacular event on March 31st. See photos of the event at www.garyolsen.com/grandexcursion. To learn more about this latest fund raising enterprise, click on the photo of artist, Gary Olsen, in his studio. The unveiling event and print sale launch was at the Diamond Jo Casino's Portside Harbor View Room, Wednesday, March 31st and it was an incredible success. This magnificient print measures 37 by 11 inches and will be available at galleries, gift and frame shops throughout the area. Just one third of the painting is depicted below. The original oil measures 72 by 18 inches. Below is just a portion of the print. Gary will be touring with the painting and the print throughout Dubuque during the next two months and he'll be promoting the Gateway Project. A portion of the proceeeds from print sales benefit the Gateway Project. We want to thank some key players in this first sign construction project, and they include our own Tony Zelinskas. His engineering and knowledge of site preparation was invaluable, and he knew just who to ask and what to ask throughout the process. Bob Baumhover, project manager for Portzen Construction, was as good a contractor as you would ever want to work with. He and his crew made our deadline and built a sign that will last a hundred years or more at below our estimated cost and on time! He made the entire experience go smoothly, and we'll never forget this. There were so many other wonderful people who supported this first effort and will continue to support us down the road. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It's onward and upward. --G.O. Download the official souvenier press release for this event!   Sign Replicas are complete and are being manufactured for sale! Download the October 8th, 2003 Press Release that announced the launch of the fund-raising campaign and the unveiling of the Replica Project. It provides a brief history of the campaign and features other important details including a photo. Available in Microsoft Word or PDF format. River City Gifts owners and artisans, Bill and Teri Burdt, have created a beautiful replica in hand painted ceramic bisque, hand cast and then hand painted. It's a replica of the Gateway Project design by artist and the sign's designer, Gary Olsen. The original signs will be built of native limestone, brick and wrought iron and will be erected and landscaped at carefully chosen entrances to the City of Dubuque. Each sign weighs 5 tons, and the approximate cost of each is $25,000. They are illuminated at night by flood lighting. The replicas are custom boxed by Rivery City Gifts and will be distributed to promotional sponsors of the project throughout the city and are currently available for purchase by the public to help raise funds for the signs' construction. The replicas are also available on the Gateway Project's website, and can be purchased online with credit card at www.dubuquerotary.org/welcome. Click here. Welcome to the Dubuque Rotary Club Web Workgroup for the Dubuque Gateway Project. Meet the Rotary Club Project Team Rotary Sign Project Wins $27,000 Grant from the DRA! The entire club stands before the campaign banner for the Dubuque Gateway Project. US 20 Gateway Site Identified Our Highway 20 West location is identified. Our contractor, Mike Portzen, owns about 40 acres slated for development, and his property is in an ideal location for our western approach to the city. Mike is donating the land to the project, and we are already engaged in site preparation. HyVee and EDSB Become Selling Point for Replicas

Dear Friends: Our first Gateway sign has been built southwest of the city, and we have more yet to build! The City of Dubuque wants our design on the new "Downtown Gateway" and we have land donated to the project on Dubuque's U.S.20 approach west of town. We are now looking for construction sponsors for these two signs. Just think about it. How many community projects have you heard of or participated in where the result and good will likely last more than 100 years? And for less than $25,000, you can build one in your organization's name! E-mail me and we'll bring all our dogs and ponies to your office and put on a show you will love. --Gary Olsen, Designer and Rotary Club Project Chairman

File Downloads Important Documents, Original Artwork, Forms, Contracts, Invoices: Pin Design (High Res) We recommend high speed access to download this and any other graphic files on this page. Download a great project overview document, the October 8th, 2003 Press Release that announced the launch of the fund-raising campaign and the unveiling of the Replica Project. Available in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Download the sponsor Categories Document for discussion with prospective sponsors. Includes Agreement Microsoft Word Version Acrobat (PDF) Version Display Ads: Download TH Ad PhotoShop PDF (will restore it's layers when opened in Adobe PhotoShop. Download TH Ad Flat JPG Format High Res File for Publication Vendor Specifications: Engineering Scale Drawing of Sign available as a PDF (Acrobat) file Sign Face Type Pattern Available for download. Swell Handout Cards that Rotary Club people can print and distribute to anyone remotely interested in the project. Features the web address! These are wonderful business card size cards you can download and print as many as you wish. To help spread the word, give these to potential sponsors or any interested parties. There are several to a sheet, so you download, print to decent photo quality paper or card stock, and cut up using a paper cutter, or, a scissors if you have a steady hand. There are crop marks as guides right on the page. Click here to download. Once it's downloaded, you can import the file into Microsoft Word for printing or print it directly from any program that handles a JPG. Click here! This photo montage of the unveiling of our first campaign banner features the final design of our Gateway Project. Swingfest is the Rotary Club's big fund raiser of the summer and it attracts a good crowd. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss the project in a public venue.

What you see here are the posters for two of the three promotional sponsors we have on board. I'm working on EDSB as soon as I get a high res kigi frin them.

From Gary Olsen: We have established Levels of Sponsorship for the Dubuque Gateway Project:

Dear Prospective Sponsor:

There are several ways you can get involved in our Dubuque Gateway Project. There are two financial categories either of which or both we hope you'll consider.

The two categories of support include:

Promotional Partner: Your $2,500 goes to the project's Gateway marketing budget and will entitle you to participate in the promotion and fund-raising effort.

Construction Partner: Consists of five levels of contribution each with its own incentives. This category of financial support goes directly to sign building and no marketing costs.

Participation Details:

Promotional Partner

• You become a "retail" point of sale for the collectible replica signs. You will receive 10 replica signs to get you started. You are among an exclusive and small number of area businesses who have the right to purchase the collectible replica signs on a wholesale price schedule direct from the supplier, River City Gifts of Dubuque.
• The retail price of the collectible replica sign will be set for all participating retailers. We ask that the margin of your profit, once your expenses have been met, be designated to the sign construction fund.
• You become a Collectors' Pin Program distribution point. Personalized Point-of-sale signage will accompany your pin inventory.
• This designation allows you to make the sign project part of your marketing program. You receive access to artwork, logos to use and graphics for everything from newspaper ads to television commercials, posters for your places of business. This includes any custom work that may need to be done for a special event.
• Your name will be permanently attached to all campaign materials as an "Official Promotional Partner." For example, your name will be on all banners and signage used to designate construction sites, and will be prominently displayed during ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies.
  

Construction Partner

The following levels of sponsorship are based on single sign and one is a multiple-sign project. Your contribution will go to a specific sign, and recognition for your effort will be engraved on the plaque on that specific sign. A contributor can give to all five sign projects (minimum donation $25,000) which will put the donor's name on all five Gateway plaques.

Ground Breakers: $100 to $5,000

This is the first level of support and a single sign sponsorship.

• For donations exceeding $1,000, you will receive a special limited edition signed and numbered Gateway replica created by Terry Burdt (the sculptor) and Gary Olsen, the sign's designer.
• Your contribution will go to a specific sign, and recognition for your effort will be engraved on the plaque on that specific sign, designating you as a "Ground Breaker Sponsor."
  

Ribbon Cutters: $5,001-$15,000

This is the second level of support and a single sign sponsorship.

• Your name or the name of your firm or organization will be engraved on the Sponsor's Plaque that is affixed to the sign to which you contribute. On this plaque you are designated a "Ribbon Cutter Sponsor."
• You will also receive a special limited edition version of the hand painted ceramic sign replica signed and numbered by the artists.
  
• Your name will also appear on the banner that recognizes supporting businesses and individuals at ground breaking and the ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Sign Builders: $15,001 to $25,000

• Your name is on the Sponsors' Plaque on the sign toward which you contribute in the "Sign Builders" designation.
• Your name or logo is on the sign at the ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies.
• For $15,000, you receive 3 signed, numbered and mounted sign replicas, each on a special wooden base with polished brass plaques.
• For $20,000, you receive 4 special replicas.
• For $25,000, you receive 6 special replicas.

Contractor's Club: $25,001 and above

• This level of sponsorship enables you to have your name or firm's name on all five plaques affixed to all five Gateways.
• Your company logo will be on the ceremonial banners at the groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings.
• You receive very special limited edition ceramic replicas on wooden bases with polished brass engraved plaques.
• You receive 6 for the first $25,000 and one each for every thousand dollars above this amount.

The Three Year Giving Schedule:

On larger contributions, you may wish to establish a three year giving schedule. We will invoice you based on a schedule compatible with your wishes.

What follows is a Project Archive, a Continually Updated History of the Project

Dear Rotary Colleagues:

We are moving the construction of our first sign to the front burner now that we have $27,000 from our DRA Grant. Thanks to all who supported us on this important infusion of cash.

I am reading over the material just received from the DRA, and we need to submit our application for the actual funds (formally) to the DRA by June 27th, so they know about when they will cut a check. To make this process simple, and to put our first sign on the fast track, here's what I propose:

We Secure the Services of a Contractor

Tom Reilly and I bounced a few names back and forth, and I think we may be better served by a contractor of the caliber of Edwards, Mike Portzen, or a Kluck Construction. Any other names to throw into the hat would be welcome. But to draw a contractor in, we need a scaled drawing, so that's what is immediately needed.

We Need a Scale Drawing

I've spoken with our own Tony Zelinskas. He said he can develop the scale drawing on an available CAD system, and once everything is in the computer, we can spit out as many drawings and specs for the bid process and actual construction as we need. What he has to work with is the artist's conception that I prepared, and that should be sufficient as he has indicated to me in our first meeting on this task. Tony has indicated there are some unknowables in this process, however, that deal with issues such as soil and subsoil condition, location of underground utilities, site prep, etc., but at least we know approximately where this first sign will be going. However, we will need to know precisely where this sign will be positioned on the land parcel at Hwys 151/61 and Data Drive. Getting control of some of these design related issues is crucial to anticipate any additional costs that may be incurred in preparing the site. Thankfully, Tony knows how to interpret these important details.

To our Project Team:

I will endeavor to keep everyone up to speed via e-mail and this website, but I see no immediate need to meet as a team. Once Tony has a drawing, then I'll call a meeting and we can talk contractors if you wish to offer input on this matter.

I'm sure you will agree that we must get this sign construction underway as soon as possible so we can build momentrum for community-wide participation, sponsorships, etc., for the rest of the signs (there will be five all together), support that will come much easier once one sign is in place that everyone can see.

Project Chair,
Gary Olsen

From April 27, 2003

We Receive Unanimous City Council Approval!

Now you can download the official Sponsorship Agreement to take to prospective sponsors. It's three pages with complete details of sponsor opportunities.

Sponsor Doc in Word

Sponsor Doc in PDF

Meet the Rotary Club Project Team

Progress Report, March 30, 2003, Gary Olsen, Chairperson

We met with the Rotary Club Board on January 20th, 2003 and we have our first $5,000 commitment to our first Gateway!

We've successfully filed a Grant Request to the Dubuque Racing Association for $48,000, but we have yet to discover what we will actually receive.

What we have accomplished so far:

1. We've met as a group with all interested parties and potential sponsors on January 14th. We outlined the scope of the project, and we discussed some promotional concepts as well as sounding out members' opinions on the project's direction. In other words, where are we headed.... how much is this trip going to cost.... who is on board?

2. We've successfully submitted our grant request to the Dubuque Racing Association. We are asking for $48,000.

3. We determined that the first 100 replica signs provided by Bill and Terry Burdt will cost $7,000, and we are looking for a sponsor(s) to provide funds for this investment. For this investment the sponsor will be a primary distribution point for the replicas and they will be provided with ad copy, photography, radio and television production spots that can be used in a media buy.

4. We have put our project proposal before the Rotary Board which voted to put the proposal of committing funds to at least one sign before the club's membership at large. That vote is scheduled to be conducted by a show of hands and simple majority passage on February 4, 2003 (see below, item 6).

5. The Rotary Board voted to commit $5,000 as sign construction capital to show good faith to sponsors and especially to the Dubuque Racing Association for our grant application.

6. The General Rotary Club membership has voted unanimously at the February 4th meeting to support the project.

7. We successfully achieve City Council Approval on April 7th, 2003.

Hatching the Plan to Rotary Club

lot has happened especially since we met with the City Manager and City Planning Department. As luck (and perhaps a little skill) would have it, we have tentative approval from the City to pursue our project. It fits right in to their "Gateway Plan," which is part of a master plan that identifies natural and scenic gateways to our city. Our timing is perfect. Our first sign will, in all probability, be located southwest of town at the turnoff to Dubuque's Technology Park, so it will benefit from traffic coming to Dubuque from the Quad Cities, Cascade/Cedar Rapids, and the Dubuque Regional Airport. The sign pictured here represents one of the most popular designs on our Web site, and it measures at least 23 feet and is constructed of brick, limestone and powder-coated steel.

One of the more popular designs we used to obtain a cost estimate. The sign measures approx. 23 feet long. To see the other designs and the official Weclome Sign Web Site, click on the sign.

The Rotary Board Meeting in September, 2002

We took our proposal for this project to the Rotary Club Board this past September, and we have tentative plans to proceed which includes putting the project to a vote of the general membership. We have to have club approval before getting on the City Council Agenda which is the next step. But first some details about that board meeting:

A guest at that meeting was ourr contact at Durrant Group, Chris Wand, who with the help of his firm's engineering staff, estimated a cost per sign of $22,000. This cost estimate considers virtually all contingencies including some excavation, electrical and other details. However, the club is considering developing partnerships with suppliers who can provide the steel America's River logo, for example, The sandblasted lettering has already been donated to the project. If we continue pursuing this strategy with potential suppliers, we can reduce costs even further.

Board members were concerned that committing the club to all five proposed signs would put a large financial burden on our club ($110,000), but more importantly, it could take support away from other ongoing projects in our community that we fund.

In response to this concern, it was the board's consensus that the club at least commit to one sign with the intent of helping other organizations in town finance the rest of the signs if this is possible. On the other hand, depending on the level of financial support for the first sign, perhaps the club could build two. Nonetheless, the board's commitment to at least one sign is assured.

Money Raising Plans

Gary Olsen reported that he approached the owners of River City Gifts, noted artisans in our community who have created a line of hand-painted ceramic scale replicas of famous Dubuque landmarks which have sold extraordinarily well. They have been highly successful in marketing these decorative pieces, and they expressed interest in doing a ceramic version of the final Gateway design. The idea is to provide these replicas as incentives to organizations and individuals who donate a large amount to the project (say $500 to $1,000). The pieces would be exquisite with hand-painted details and even working electrical lights. The cost of each of these would be $65 based on a minimum order of 100. This promotion would subsequently cost $6,500 but could raise as much as $65,000 which would more than pay for two signs after expenses.

The club could just buy these ceremaic models outright payments made (over time... not all at once since it will take some months to complete the first 100 models) and make them available to large donors. Or, we can partner with a local bank or similar institution who would embrace the promotion as their own, and provide extra promotional value in the form of media exposure (ads in local media) thereby attaching themselves to the Gateway Project. That partner would put up the funds for the models and even be the fulfillment center for their distribution.

These ceramic signs could become a major fund raiser. First, River City Gifts has a mailing list of 400+ who are already customers of the store's ceramic landmark series. We have already talked about having an unveiling celebration and signing ceremony when the models are released, and this will further our publicity efforts for the project. That event could be at the Dubuque Museum of Art or at the business partner's location.

The Web Site

The Web site is key to our money raising activities, communication and management of the Gateway Project. A key partner in this enterprise is Rotary member Kevin Lynch and his firm, NetSmart. NetSmart programmers are at work developing a credit-card transaction module for our Web site that will enable people to make contributions on the spot. This will be especially valuable when we market the ceramic scale models of the Gateway. To my knowledge, no club or organization in our area has ever done something like this on the Internet. That fact, in and of itself, would be a major publicity opportunity.

Timing is everything in this project. We want to make sure that we have the Web site, ceramic model, and the final design in place for our big publicity push. If, for example, we are on the upcoming agenda for the City Council, we should have everything else in place so we can capitalize on this first wave of publicity. We want to be prepared to collect money immediately for this project.

The Project Committee

This is the Rotary Club Gateway Project Committee as it stands so far. Most of these members expressed interest and have already performed duties on behalf of the project. Each bring special talents and abilities to the committee.

The Gateway Project Committee:
Gary Olsen, Project Chair Chief designer and Web developer for the project		Olsen, Gary (Schools) Dubuque Community School District 2300 Chaney Rd., 52001 Res: 2745 Andrew Ct., 52001 Spouse: Linda Joined Rotary: 2000 Email olsega@mchsi.com Fax: 588-8521 Work: 588-5106
Mike Armstrong Project event planning		Armstrong, Michael (Cleaning Services) ServiceMaster of The Key City 1845 Washington, 52001 Res: 695 Maple Ridge Peosta, IA 52068 Spouse: Marcy Joined Rotary: 1995 Email servicekeycity@highstream.net
Paul Hemmer Project event and promotional planning		Hemmer, Paul E (Radio Stations & Broadcast Companies) Radio Dubuque Inc 346 8th St., 52001 Res: 2375 Simpson, 52003 Spouse: Jan Joined Rotary: 1996 Email phemmer@kgrr.com Fax: 690-0538 Work: 690-0830
Kevin Lynch Web site host and programming consultant		Lynch, Kevin (Consulting-Computers/Internet) Net-Smart, Inc 3999 Pennsylvania Ave-Suite 20, 52002 Res: 824 Council Hill Dr., 52003 Spouse: Janelle Joined Rotary: 1999 Email klynch@net-smart-inc.com Fax: 582-2886 Work: 582-2655
Tom Reilly Project treasurer and marketing consultant		Reilly, Thomas J. (Tom) (Banking-Loans) East Dubuque Savings Bank) 3999 Pennsylvania Ave., 52001 Res: 951 Oxford, 52002 Spouse: Judy Joined Rotary: 1980 Email treilly@edsb.com Fax: 583-5847 Work: 588-9820
Tony Zelinskas Location planner and government liason		Zelinskas, Michael A. (Tony) (Civil Engineers) WHKS & Company 470 Central Ave., 52001 Res: 650 English Ln., 52003 Spouse: Kari Joined Rotary: 1998 Email tzelinskas@whks.com Fax: 588-7412 Work: 582-5481
Kim Tully Event Planning, Corporate Gifts, and Promotional Partner Program		Kim Tully Interior Design and Sales Floorshow Companies 1475 Associates Dr. Dubuque, IA Work: 563-557-9952
Mailing List of these members: golsen@dubuque.k12.ia.us,DBQPAUL@mchsi.com,servicekeycity@highstream.net, klynch@net-smart-inc.com,treilly@edsb.com,tzelinskas@whks.com,kimtully@msn.com

Friends, Sponsors, and Providers of Support to the Project