Flood interrupts Heartland, but doesn’t dampen spirits

WATERLOO, Iowa -- In spite of record flood waters, the mandatory evacuation of the Heartland Conference’s downtown venues and a late-evening thunderstorm that brought an immediate end to the annual gala, the spirit of the VGM Group’s annual educational extravaganza wasn’t dampened by Mother Nature’s unfortunate behavior.

A Sunday deluge (June 8) gave way to dry weather on Monday and the annual best-shot golf tournament was “sold out.” Players got a slight advantage: Two holes were too wet to play, so the event was shortened to 16 holes. The annual pig roast at VGM headquarters, followed by the over-the-top fireworks exhibition, both went off without a hitch.

Tuesday dawned bright, sunny and mild, which made it easy for conference goers to stroll one block down to the roiling Cedar River, which was rising and rushing and gave all viewers a glance at history. Waterloo has always had an uneasy relationship with its river, and after years of devastating floods, city leaders in the 1960s finally overcame a great deal of opposition to build a flood control system that has saved the city on many occasions.

The levees held, but water started rising through the storm sewers and by early evening on Tuesday, low-lying intersections downtown were flooded. By 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, access to the downtown was severely restricted and the city was left with one bridge open. Conference planners decided to cancel the remaining sessions and held meetings with the remaining attendees. Those who were driving were given highlighted maps showing them the way out of town. The maps were revised several times on Wednesday morning, as more streets became impassable.

Those who needed to re-book flights and hotels were evacuated to VGM Group Headquarters, where a “command center” was set up. Breakfast arrived, then lunch, then snacks. The decision was made to continue with Wednesday evening’s gala. The attendance was down, but those who stayed enjoyed a steak dinner and the type of camaraderie that comes from shared experience.

At VGM, our main concern was the safety and comfort of our guests. Their comments and e-mails after returning home revealed that they were concerned about us and our hometown. By the way, next year’s event will be June 8-11.

We’ve also heard that one individual has already booked his hotel room.

Following are some notes and anecdotes that came out of Heartland.

From a West Coast editor: You and everyone at VGM and your families are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

I hope everyone is safe. Truly, the news reports are frightening and heart-breaking.

Please take good care of yourself.

Two attendees from Wind River Home Oxygen in Wyoming spent Wednesday afternoon sandbagging and then joined us as the Gala.

A member from Des Moines was staying at the Ramada until being evacuated to the Heartland Inn. All of his items were packed and delivered to the Heartland Inn for him so he could continue to take part in his scheduled Heartland activities. He was thoroughly impressed by VGM's attention to detail and exceptional service.

The same member also talked about his experiences at Heartland (this was his second time) and Medtrade. He was singing the praises of the educational opportunities and the value of the Heartland conference over Medtrade.

Another member from (Texas, I think) said much the same thing saying that he felt Medtrade was more for the suppliers, while Heartland was more the providers.

A consistent Heartland attender from Kentucky brought his wife for the first time this year and they had a great time at the Gala -- and raved about the exceptional hospitality of VGM's associates.

From a member: First I’d like to say that once again, I am very impressed with VGM. The situation that you had to deal with was very difficult and I’m sure stressful for all of the staff involved in the Conference. I appreciate all that was done to try to keep things going as long as possible but also to make sure that people were safe. My thoughts are with all of you as I know there are probably staff members who are also affected personally by the flooding and raining. I truly hope that it ends very soon.

A member from South Carolina: If I had to go through something like this away from home, there is no other place I would rather be than with VGM. I know they will take care of us and do everything they can to help us so I am not worried.

A VGM Member: Although this was my 1st time visit, I especially enjoyed the hospitality shown by all VGM staff. Should there ever be any need that all of us as VGM members can fulfill during and after all this flooding, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our thoughts are with you.

From a VGM Vendor: (We) truly applaud VGM and all of your staff for the outstanding way you handled this situation.

Many thanks for taking care of us as vendors and making sure we knew what was happening and how to make arrangements for the dismantling of our booth.

Our hearts and prayers are with all of Iowa. I grew up in Muscatine and personally know about the potential heartbreak of inclement weather and flooding. We pray for those who lost homes, property, and businesses. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of those four young boys and anyone else who lost loved ones. Hopefully the weather will improve and Iowa can start to move toward clean up and we can all look forward to next year in Waterloo!

Thanks again. VGM is a terrific group!!!

From a VGM Vendor: First let me say that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all Iowans affected by this unprecedented disaster. In my 26 years in the industry I have never experienced this type of situation. I really feel for the people and businesses that lost homes and income. Words cannot describe what I saw in Waterloo or later in Cedar Rapids.

I want to say that everyone at VGM handled themselves extremely well and at no time did I feel that everyone was not pulling together to do all that he or she could to make the situation as good as possible.

From a VGM Vendor: (We) are now on the East Coast safe and sound.

On the way to Cedar Rapids, the devastation we witnessed was something we haven't seen before. It is truly an unfortunate yet unforgettable experience.

We will of course extend our specials to the end of the month for those members who attended the Show. Since our $200 door prize was not used, we would like to contribute this to a relief fund. Please let me know the best way to do this and we'll send off a check.

We appreciate all that VGM has done to prepare for the Heartland Conference and it's a pity the way it turned out. We wish that all VGM employees and their families are safe. We thank you for your kind hospitality.

From a VGM Member: I wanted to thank you and all of VGM, you all handled the whole thing with the flood so well, very calm and smiles. You have a top-notch company.

I was happy to get out when I did but if I had to be stranded, VGM would be the spot I would pick.

Another group from Florida took their winnings from the Isle of Capri Casino, went to a local retailer and purchased board games and toys for the children of the floods that were staying in the casino hotel.