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What Is The Spark – Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Spark Campaign Initiative

Effective Living > Iowa City

20091026mo-servcie-sidewalk-chalk-IMG_2064-high-mediumSummary. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce has created a new initiative with a publicity website called What Is The Spark. The information page for the site is accessible only through a hidden link that becomes visible when a mouse hovers over it.

Sidewalk Chalk. The promotional campaign began in October 2009 with the somewhat mysterious appearance of chalk drawings on the sidewalks of downtown Iowa City. Colorful asterisks were drawn, sometimes accompanied by words such as Service, Knowledge, or Connect. The photo shown here was taken on 26 October 2009. The campaign inspires people to ask What’s the Spark? and search for more information.

Spark Leadership Award. On 5 November 2009, the ICACC announced winners of a Spark Leadership Award.

No US Bank Affiliation. Because a well known US Bank campaign refers to Five Stars of Service, it was thought that this campaign may have been something instigated by US Bank. However, it seems this isn’t true.

Official Website. The WhatIsTheSpark.com website (registered to the ICACC) offers the following list that describes what the Spark is and does.

  • Nurtures leadership in Johnson County
  • Represents all sectors of our community
  • Contributes to the vision of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty and Solon
  • Equips leaders with skills to mobilize positive change
  • Reaches decision-makers and influences policy
  • Builds relationships to share innovative ideas, viewpoints and approaches
  • Promotes collaboration and resource sharing
  • Creates opportunities to champion a cause
  • Engages established and emerging leaders
  • Raises awareness of the critical issues and systems that make up Johnson County
  • Develops open-minded, proactive leaders
  • Provides dynamic, meaningful and relevant partnerships
  • Serves as an invaluable resource to your community
  • Introduces individuals to diverse community themes including arts & culture, health care, government, economics, agriculture, human services, education
  • Inspires participants to become actively engaged in their own city
  • Provokes intellectual curiosity and debate
  • Educates constituents about the power they have to make an impact
  • Encourages participants to get involved
  • Generates dialogue about key issues

More Information. If you have more information about the Spark campaign, please contact us so we can update this page.

By Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a freelance writer and tech consultant in Iowa City. He is also the founder and Director of the ResourcesForLife.com website. Learn more at AboutGregJohnson.com