Camblin Hills Development Breaks Ground, Paving the Way for Future Growth

Vision Atlantic hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Camblin Hills Housing Development June 18th, drawing a large crowd to celebrate this historic feat for the Atlantic community.

The event included a brief program, with words of appreciation and excitement shared by Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic Board President; John Hoich, Vice President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation; Donna Dostal, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa; and Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

While the afternoon focused on celebrating Atlantic’s future, Vision Atlantic also took time to honor the past—specifically the lasting impact of late community leaders Bob Camblin and Don Sonntag. Their families were in attendance and shared heartfelt reflections on the incredible contributions both men made to Atlantic. Without their vision and dedication, much of the community’s housing and commercial development would not exist today. In recognition of their legacy, the Vision Atlantic Board of Directors presented each family with a Legacy Award, acknowledging the role their work played in making this new development possible.

Camblin Hills is located along Olive Street between 17th & 22nd Street and will add 142 new homes to the community over the next five years. The development is designed to meet diverse housing needs with a mix of single-family homes, condos, town homes, tiny homes and lots for custom builds.

In 2025 alone, 48 units will be built, including several single-family homes, multiple condos, and 10 tiny homes (which will be used as Airbnb rentals)—all aimed at revitalizing Atlantic and welcoming new families to the area.

This project is made possible through an incredible partnership with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. Together, they established a $23 million investment fund, which Vision Atlantic will borrow from to build all 142 units. As the loan is repaid, up to 5% of the fund balance will be donated back to Vision Atlantic to establish a long-term community endowment fund—supporting local needs such as affordable childcare.

For more information about the Camblin Hills Housing Development, visit www.visionatlantic.org or email visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

 

 

Watts Management Donates $25,000 to Vision Atlantic

Watts Management, owned by Randy & Marsha Watts, have donated $25,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“Marsha and I have been firm believers in Vision Atlantic’s project from the beginning. This is a huge opportunity for Atlantic to grow our population with private investments and a great partnership with the Lakin Foundation. As there continues to be donations from the community, we thought we would help out. Pledges can stretch up to five years, making donations of any amount more feasible for supporters. We are blessed to be able to donate to this cause and ask others to join us and donate as you can”, Randy Watts stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025. Infrastructure work for the housing development and child development center is currently underway.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $20 million has been raised in the past 12 months, 66% of a $30 million goal. In addition to the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant, Vision Atlantic has also received an additional $23 million from the Foundation, which will act as a line of credit and help Vision Atlantic construct homes in the Camblin Hills Housing Development. As the dollars are paid back each year, the Foundation will donate 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, which will be used to help operate the child development center. The $23 million is not part of Vision Atlantic’s $30 million fundraising goal.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $10 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Melissa Ihnen, Debbie Waterbury, Christina Bateman, Marsha Watts, Amelia Jensen, Beckett Jensen and Randy Watts.

Rolling Hills Bank & Trust Donates $500,000 to Vision Atlantic

Rolling Hills Bank & Trust has donated a substantial $500,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“Rolling Hills Bank & Trust is very proud to be a supporter of the Vision Atlantic project. Rolling Hills Bank has a long history of giving back to the communities we serve. We have 12 banking locations located in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. We are proud to be a supporter of this project that will benefit the Atlantic community in many ways,” Keith Honke, President of Rolling Hills Bank & Trust stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025. Infrastructure work for the housing development and child development center is currently underway.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.8 million has been raised in the past 12 months, 62% of a $30 million goal. In addition to the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant, Vision Atlantic has also received an additional $23 million from the Foundation, which will act as a line of credit and help Vision Atlantic construct homes in the Camblin Hills Housing Development. As the dollars are paid back each year, the Foundation will donate 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, which will be used to help operate the child development center. The $23 million is not part of Vision Atlantic’s $30 million fundraising goal.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.5 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Vision Atlantic Board of Directors Christina Bateman, Nick Hunt, Debbie Waterbury and Melissa Ihnen. Rolling Hills Bank & Trust President Keith Honke and Atlantic branch employees.

A.M. Cohron & Son & Harlan Family Donates $250,000 to Vision Atlantic

A.M. Cohron & Son & Harlan Family Donates $250,000 to Vision Atlantic

A.M. Cohron & Son and the Harlan Family have donated $250,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“Atlantic has needed a project like this for a long time, one that will work towards helping Atlantic grow and attract new businesses to our town. A.M. Cohron & Son and the Harlan family are thankful that we can support Vision Atlantic and this project,” Rick Harlan, Owner of A.M. Cohron & Son stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.8 million has been raised in the past 11 months, over 61% of a $30 million goal. In addition to the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant, Vision Atlantic has also received an additional $23 million from the Foundation, which will act as a line of credit and help Vision Atlantic construct homes in the Camblin Hills Housing Development. As the dollars are paid back each year, the Foundation will donate 5% of those dollars back to Vision Atlantic, which will be used to help operate the child development center. The $23 million is not part of Vision Atlantic’s $30 million fundraising goal.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.6 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured left to right: Debbie Waterbury, Melissa Ihnen, Christina Bateman, Jesse Harlan, Keith Harlan, Rick Harlan and Pam Wagner.

Henningsen Construction, Inc. Donates $100,000 to Vision Atlantic

Henningsen Construction, Inc. has donated $100,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“We are grateful to Vision Atlantic for their commitment to our community. We are happy to support this important project because it addresses needs in our community that will help Atlantic grow and thrive,” Brad Henningsen, Owner of Henningsen Construction stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025. Infrastructure work for the housing development and child development center is currently underway.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.8 million has been raised in the past 11 months, over 61% of a $30 million goal. In addition to the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant, Vision Atlantic has also received an additional $23 million from the Foundation, which will act as a line of credit and help Vision Atlantic construct homes in the Camblin Hills Housing Development. As the dollars are paid back each year, the Foundation will donate 5% of those dollars back to Vision Atlantic, which will be used to help operate the child development center. The $23 million is not part of Vision Atlantic’s $30 million fundraising goal.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.6 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured left to right: Christina Bateman, Brad Henningsen, Brian Mixan and Debbie Waterbury

Snyder and Associates Donates $50,000 to Vision Atlantic

Snyder & Associates has donated $50,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“It can’t be overstated how transformative of a project this will be for Atlantic. It is an exciting initiative for Snyder & Associates to be a part of and we appreciate Vision Atlantic’s commitment to progress. This will be an incredible accomplishment that will have immeasurable benefits for our community,” Dave Sturm, Atlantic Business Unit Leader at Snyder & Associates stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.4 million has been raised in the past 11 months, over 60% of a $30 million goal. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.8 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured left to right: Mike Jorgensen, Jeff Godwin, Melissa Ihnen, Garrett Reynolds, Christina Bateman, Dave Sturm, Chris Petersen, Mason Goergen, Austin Sonntag, Erik Jorgensen, Shawn Mass and Deanne Knudsen.

Lloyd and Meredith Donates $150,000 to Vision Atlantic

Lloyd and Meredith has donated $150,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.

“Being on the YMCA board the past 10 years has given me a firsthand look at the greatest needs of our community. Top notch fitness facilities, expanded childcare, and a large assortment of housing will help make Atlantic continue to be southwest Iowa’s destination of choice. Lloyd and Meredith has been serving the Atlantic area for 142 years. My parents, Keith & Cindy, and I are happy to help contribute and ensure Atlantic can thrive for another 142,” Kyle Steffens, owner of Lloyd and Meredith stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.6 million has been raised in the past 11 months, over 61% of a $30 million goal. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.8 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured Left to Right: Nick Hunt, Kyle Steffens, Christina Bateman, Debbie Waterbury and Melissa Ihnen.

SHIFT ATL Donates $50,000 to Vision Atlantic’s Transformative Project

SHIFT ATL, a 501(c)(3) community development non-profit in Atlantic, has donated $50,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to the Atlantic community.

“We are blessed that we are in a financial position to be able to support other economic and community development projects in Atlantic, while still maintaining the integrity and foundation of SHIFT ATL. Vision Atlantic’s mission and vision align with ours, but on a much larger scale, and we couldn’t be happier to donate toward the project(s) and watch the momentum continue to build,” SHIFT ATL Board of Directors stated.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities with a YMCA expansion. Construction of all three projects is slated to begin late spring of 2025.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.4 million has been raised in the past 11 months, over 60% of a $30 million goal. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.8 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured Left to Right: Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic; Mackenzie Bandow, SHIFT ATL; Jessie Shiels, SHIFT ATL; Emily Kennedy, SHIFT ATL and Melissa Ihnen, Vision Atlantic.

 

Community 1st Credit Union Awards $10,000 Grant to Vision Atlantic

Community 1st Credit Union (C1st), who has a location in Atlantic, recently awarded a $10,000 grant to Vision Atlantic through their foundation to support the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic. C1st grant funded project awards are made possible through the C1st Credit Union Impact Giving Fund of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

“One of the most important goals we have at Community 1st Credit Union is to help people enjoy a secure future. The C1st Foundation, developed in 2016, supports causes close to our hearts – financial literacy, mental wellness/suicide prevention, and community betterment. We couldn’t be more thrilled to support this project and continue to make our community better – Together IS Better!”, expressed Greg Hanshaw, President and CEO at Community 1st Credit Union.

The new child development center is being built to meet the increased need for childcare in Cass and surrounding counties. According to Dianna Williams, Director of the Ann Wickman Child Development Center, they are out of space at the current facility.

“Over the past four years, our center has been at full capacity, and we consistently have a waitlist of over sixty children. The lack of available childcare in the region negatively impacts families and employers,” Williams stated.

According to a study conducted in 2023, it was discovered that Cass County has a childcare availability shortfall of over 1,000 children. The new center will be constructed on south Olive Street in Atlantic and will have capacity for 300 children. The Jack and Jill Preschool, currently housed at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, will be co-located with the new child development center. Rates for the new center have not been determined yet, and reservations for childcare spots have not been opened. More information relating to the operation of the center will be made available as the project progresses.

“We are excited about this award to support the Laking Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic. We know that the new center will provide quality care for children, which is a critical component of economic development of the region, and an important consideration for families when they choose where they want to live,” Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic President stated.

If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured Left to Right: (CEO) Greg Hanshaw, Lindsey Gould, David Suarez, Christina Bateman, Melissa Ihnen, Tim Marcsisak, Chelsie Madden and David Bossou.

Ag Ventures Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Vision Atlantic

Ag Ventures Foundation (AgVA), a 501(c)(3) organization based in Mason City, IA, recently awarded a $10,000 grant to Vision Atlantic to support the outdoor classrooms in the new Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic. The AgVA Foundation provides grants to other 501(c)(3) organizations to support agricultural education and nutrition programs for adults and youth.

Bob Cole, President of the AgVA Foundation said, “We are pleased to provide these funds to the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic because they will be used to support outdoor classrooms that will allow our youngest youth to learn how to plant and nurture seeds, harvest and prepare produce, and will provide opportunities for children to enjoy eating what they have produced. These learning opportunities can hopefully lead to continued learning throughout their lives of food production and healthy eating.”

The new child development center is being built to meet the increased need for childcare in Cass and surrounding counties. According to Dianna Williams, Director of the Ann Wickman Child Development Center, they are out of space at the current facility.

“Over the past four years, our center has been at full capacity, and we consistently have a waitlist of over sixty children. The lack of available childcare in the region negatively impacts families and employers,” Williams stated.

According to a study conducted in 2023, it was discovered that Cass County has a childcare availability shortfall of over 1,000 children. The new center will be constructed on south Olive Street in Atlantic and will have capacity for 300 children aged zero – five. The Jack and Jill Preschool, currently housed at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, will be co-located with the new childcare center.

“We are excited about this award to support the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic. We know that the new center will provide quality care for children, which is a critical component of economic development of the region, and an important consideration for families when they choose where they want to live,” Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic President stated.

Along with a new child development center, Vision Atlantic’s project includes a 144-unit housing development and an expansion to the current YMCA facility. Over the past 11 months, $18.3 million has been raised, 60% of a $30 million goal. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12.1 million needed. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

Pictured: Melissa Ihnen, Vision Atlantic Board Secretary; Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic Board President; Debbie Waterbury, Vision Atlantic Board Treasurer and Jill Euken, AgVA Foundation Board Member.