After less than a year, a big economic development project in Bettendorf is thriving and will create even more jobs.
Last April, the owners of TBK Bank Sports Complex opened near Middle Road and I-80. This winter, it employs about 140 people, but in the summer that'll increase by 30 to 40.
Mick Dalton, Director of Marketing, says 2,500 to 5,000 people visit every week. And they come to TBK to play all kinds of sports. They also work out at Level Two Fitness and eat at Digs Bar and Grill or High Five Lanes and Games.
The owners of TBK Bank Sports Complex bought a total of 74 acres, and Dalton says there's plenty of room to grow. They've discussed a number of activities to add in the future.
Dalton also says visitors are frequenting new businesses that have opened nearby, such as the Cheesy Cow, Coffee Hound, and Hurts Donuts. A Cambria hotel is also under construction, and Temple Sporting Goods plans to move to the neighborhood.