What's happening this month
 
 

Why Invest in Historic East Village?
HEV was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in June 2003. Our founders set up the organization using the Main Street® approach to increase the social, physical, political and economic values of East Village for our community.

 
One of HEV’s main purposes is to provide a unified approach to using community development, historic preservation, promotion, education and economic development to improve the East Village neighborhood. In short, our board acts as the “voice” of the neighborhood (as you know since you call us often to find out what’s going on).
 
Goals HEV has set for the next 3-5 years:
 
  • Conduct survey of retail businesses & EV customers to establish needs
  • Identify new annual events that bring something different to East Village that you can’t find anywhere else
  • Expand our “brand”: Go beyond Des Moines to promote EV statewide/regionally
  • Hire executive director, secure office space, etc. This will provide our growing organization with one contact person and someone who can concentrate their efforts solely on HEV, thereby transitioning our board into a more advisory role.
 
The money raised from the 2007 East Village Winter Gala fundraiser went toward administrative costs (printings, mailings, membership to CVB, Central Iowa Tourism); hiring facilitator for strategic planning session; we financially supported EVAC Citywide project “52 Pick Up”; and event expenses (Blooms ‘n’ Blues, Bike Nights, Holiday Promenade). We have restricted funds (raised mainly through grant awards) that are earmarked for projects like marketing materials, beautification and banners.
 
The mission of Historic East Village, Inc. is “to lead the preservation, support and development of the East Village community.” An all-volunteer board of directors dedicate thousands of hours annually to:
  • plan special events and tourism promotion;
  • work with the city on physical improvements, litter control and business/residential development;
  • support the renewed Neighborhood Association;
  • communicate with the media;
  • work with outside groups on events in East Village (World Food Festival, Capital City Pride);
  • marketing/public relations
  • other revitalization efforts.
 
Despite the success experienced by EV, we still have a long way to go to reach our collective vision. HEV will use the unrestricted funds raised during the gala to:
  • underwrite and expand annual neighborhood events that foster an awareness of the neighborhood and an attachment to its success; 
  • create a statewide and regional marketing campaign; and 
  • hire an executive director, rent office space and purchase equipment.

If you or your business is interested in being a financial investor in Historic East Village, Inc. or an East Village event sponsor, contact Sarah Oltrogge at (515) 281-4011 or make a donation online. 

Your contributions are vital to the success of Historic East Village. Please consider a tax deductible* donation or sponsorship today. Thank you!
 

 
 

Get Involved!

Attend monthly board meeting the last Monday of the month at 5:15 p.m. (check Web site calendar for location).

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, the East Village Voice. 

Sign up to volunteer for a committee. Attend and support HEV open houses, special events and volunteer opportunities.

Buy our stuff.

For more information on how you can help, call (515) 281-4011.

 

2008 meeting dates for the HEV Board are:

All meetings are held at 5:15 p.m. at Durrant, 510 E. Locust, 2nd floor boardroom. Anyone wishing to address the board may do so by written request (e-mail request is acceptable) by the Wednesday prior to the meeting date. Requests may be e-mail to: Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov or sent via regular mail to: HEV Board, P.O. Box 6043, Des Moines, IA  50309.


  • Monday, April 28
  • Tuesday, May 27
  • Monday, June 30  **Annual Meeting**
  • Monday, July 28
  • Monday, August 25
  • Monday, September 29
  • Monday, October 27
  • Monday, November 24
  • Monday, December 29

 *Consult your tax advisor