Newton celebrates Economic Development Award recipients

McCoy’s story is one of sheer determination, talent and energy. The State Cinema has been an anchor institution in downtown Newton for 80 years. When the cinema temporarily closed in late 2014, McCoy went to work to ensure the beloved theater would remain in business.

The theater has seen significant growth in ticket sales since McCoy took over the business. In January 2015, 300 tickets were sold; by July of this year, more than 7,000 people enjoyed shows at the State.

Upcoming projects planned at the State will allow the theater to continue serving the Newton community for years to come.

M&B Printing started at a dining room table in 2012 and has grown to employ 10 people in a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in North Newton.

Bentley and Bradshaw, two creative and exuberant young professionals, developed a niche market by offering screen printing and embroidery services to nonprofits, charities and schools. With their two automatic presses and gigantic dryer, the M&B Printing team creates up to 5,000 pieces of apparel every day and ships them across the country.

With a commitment to giving back to the nonprofits they serve, Bentley and Bradshaw have developed a donation program that helps increase fundraising profits for the organizations they work with while remaining dedicated to offering affordability, quality and fast turnaround times.

Bentley and Bradshaw intend to continue growing their business in Newton by installing additional presses over the next few years.

The Economic Development Award and Economic Development Professional of the Year Award recognize the exceptional contributions of businesses and business leaders to the Newton community. Nominees are judged on any of the following: innovativeness; economic development accomplishments; community commitment or involvement; measured objectives which may include jobs created, jobs retained or improved, monetary investment in the community, or additions to the tax base; and additional benefits to the community.

The mission of the Business Advisory Committee is to advise Newton City Council on business issues that impact the city including retail, commercial, downtown, and residential development; ordinances and codes to support development and redevelopment; investments needed by the public and private sectors to carry out development and redevelopment projects; and potential incentives to attract new business investment.

The current Business Advisory Committee includes Chairperson Jennifer Stiver, Larry Adams, Lisa Crump, Jeff Kelley, Bradley Saine, Tom Warlick, Anne Wepner, and Leslie Yount.