CDG announces investment drive, new organization

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, today announced the beginning of its 2017-2018 Investment Drive. With a financial goal of $32,000, the campaign is working to raise both funds and awareness for the continued work of the volunteer-led organization.

New this year is an affiliate organization that focuses on the CDG’s charitable work. Known as the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Charitable Development Group, this separate 501c3 organization allows individuals who donate to the CCDG to claim their financial gift as a tax deductible contribution under IRC Section 170. The mission of the CCDG is “to advance the economic, cultural, artistic and recreational vitality of the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities and to support the activities of the CDG in projects that enhance the quality of life in our communities.”

Businesses who wish to contribute to the CDG and its economic development initiatives are able to claim their investment as a business expense similar to writing a check to a local Chamber. Checks written to CDG will be used to further its ongoing mission “to develop and promote our business environment, including but not limited to the Main Street District, and to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

In the past year, CDG and CCDG Mount Vernon and Lisbon volunteer accomplishments include:

  • Securing the Smithson Institute’s Museums on Main touring exhibit for spring 2018;
  • Partnering with Compost Ninja to work toward the goal of Zero Waste festivals;
  • Winning the regional Open for Business $8,000 small business grant for the third year        in a row – the only community to win this particular grant three years in a row;
  • Receiving recognition in the form of a Main Street Iowa Award and funding from Linn County for the ongoing collaborative work with Linn County Main Street            Communities: Central City, Marion, Mount Vernon and New Bohemia/Czech Village.

“The list of accomplishments continues to grow and we continue to make a difference in Mount Vernon and Lisbon,” said CDG/CCDG President Kate Rose. “The new 501c3 allows us to split our economic development priorities and quality of life goals into two separate budgets and work plans, allowing us to better serve our communities.”

Contributions can be sent directly to CDG or CCDG through U.S. Mail at P.O. Box 31, Mount Vernon, or through the PayPal link posted at visitmvl.com

About the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group exists to improve the social and economic well-being of Mount Vernon and Lisbon by capitalizing on their unique identity, assets and character. Mount Vernon was selected as a Main Street community in 2008, and practices economic development within the context of historic preservation.

About the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Charitable Development Group

The Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Charitable Development Group (CCDG) is the charitable arm of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development (CDG) organization. The CCDG is a 501c3 charitable organization with a mission “to advance the economic, cultural, artistic and recreational vitality of the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities and to support the activities of the CDG in projects that enhance the quality of life in our communities.”

About Main Street

The Main Street Approach is a copyrighted process of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The Program has been used in Iowa since 1986 with a total of 56 communities having participated.  Mount Vernon was selected as a Main Street community on March 4, 2008 by the State of Iowa, after submitting a comprehensive application and presenting to a select board of reviewers.

 


Share This Page: