About Engage Keo
We are a volunteer organization that seeks to support the Keosauqua community with it's mission to educate, inspire and create.
Mission
To support the community of Keosauqua, achieve economic and population growth through cultural and entrepreneurial amenities, concepts, and catalytic projects through maximum community engagement.
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Vision
Engage Keosauqua accomplishes meaningful community growth that makes Keosauqua the premier southeast Iowa destination to live, work and play.
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Core Values
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Sustainable Growth
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Leadership Development and Empowerment
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Collaboration
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Community Engagement
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Entrepreneurship
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Arts Culture
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Aesthetic Nature of our Geography
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Community Institutions
Recent Projects & Events
Rolling on the River
summer concert series
Fall Festival
rural housing readiness assessment
grant writing assistance - twombly museum & 2nd story housing
Keosauqua Pocket Park
Pillars of the community
Members of Engage Keosauqua are a dedicated group of champions committed to empowered and engaged leadership for their community through their volunteer service. They recognize that in order to foster a thriving and solution-oriented community that remains appealing and resilient, we must adopt a forward-thinking approach, addressing both present-day challenges in Keosauqua and anticipating the needs of future generations. Furthermore, they are prepared to adapt and evolve in response to the ever-changing dynamics of our world.
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We are committed to the following:
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Building a solid vision, organizational foundation and planning basis for conducting business,
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Retaining and expanding existing businesses and attracting new businesses, small and large,
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Developing solutions for housing development and rehabilitation,
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Conducting promotions, celebrating special/seasonal events, and encouraging tourism, and
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Implementing beautification and design improvements throughout the community
2025 Engage Keosauqua, Inc. Board of Directors
Role/Other Organizations/End of Term
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President
Joy Padget: Hotel Manning, Keosauqua Rotary, Rural Vitality Coalition -- 2026
Vice President
Jaimie Nichols: Rural Vitality Coalition, Copperline -- 2027
Secretary
Carroll Michalek: Artist, Van Buren County Trails Association, Inc., Rural Vitality Coalition -- 2028
Treasurer
Brian Bartholomew: Hill Phoenix -- 2027
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Director
Jasmine Padget: Hotel Manning, Rural Vitality Coalition
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Chris McEntee: Van Buren County Hospital, Keosauqua Light and Power Board, Hotel Manning Preservation Group -- 2026​
Tom Allen: Keosauqua City Council, Keosauqua Lions Club, Van Buren Community Players, Villages Folk School, Douds Lumber -- 2026
Jeanette Goehring: Jeanette’s Floral and Decor -- 2026
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Rick Michalek: Oldfield Aero Services, Keosauqua Airport, Hotel Manning Preservation Group -- 2026
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Ashley Moyer: Van Buren County Hospital, Empower Rural Iowa, Rural Vitality Coalition, 4H Leader -- 2026
Julie Chapius: Van Buren County High School, Rural Vitality Coalition -- 2026
Amber Stump: Libertyville Savings Bank, Hotel Manning Preservation Group, Fairfield Habitat for Humanity, Rural Vitality Coalition -- 2026
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*Drew Johnson: Libertyville Savings Bank -- 2026
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Melissa Mahon: Keosauqua Mayor, Hotel Manning Preservation Group, PuraVida Medspa -- 2027
Lynn Manning: Van Buren County Arts Council, Van Buren County Trails Association, Inc. -- 2027
Tim Blair: Bloom and Bark, Hotel Manning Preservation Group -- 2027
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Kim Steele-Blair: Bloom and Bark, Pathfinders RC&D -- 2028
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Ronnie Brundies: -- 2028​
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*Alternate