This Week in the Corridor |
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We’ve all heard it said, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I’m sure most of you who are parents would agree.
Replace the second half with “…to build a community,” and you have a different statement that holds true and economic developers agree with!
Looking back at my high school years I remember driving through the small town downtowns where I grew up in rural Southwest Iowa, dreaming of a job where I could help play even a small part in revitalizing the communities. Yet, I didn’t plan to go into economic development when I started at Buena Vista University, or even until the last two months before I graduated. Because of that, I didn’t focus on learning anything about economic development until I started in this position just over two years ago, but the last two years have had such a learning curve.
I’ve learned about terms I’d never heard (like Revolving Loan Funds), learned that economic development includes so much more than just recruiting businesses, and discovered a passion for Northwest Iowa and these communities that the Corridor works for.
But the most important aspect of economic development that I’ve learned is the village that it truly takes to be successful in economic and community development. Before working at the Corridor, I never realized how many entities it took to facilitate even one economic development project. The Corridor communications with city and county officials, business leaders, chamber staff, real estate professionals, and so many others on a daily basis. A day rarely goes by that we aren’t calling on at least one partner in our communities to collaborate on economic and community development.
Each partner is an integral part of the village that makes up our region. Without this village that each community member is a part of, economic and community development would be so much slower, if it even happened at all.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Corridor staff has decided to postpone the 11th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon to spring or early summer.
In place of the luncheon, we will host a quarterly meeting, so stay tuned for more information on that event coming soon!
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Corridor staff is currently working on website updates, and things will be moving around in the next few weeks. If you have questions about where to find information, please contact Alyssa Petersen by email or phone, 712-264-3474.
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Buena Vista County Office Space
Location: 202 W. 7th St.
Alta, IA 51002
Sale Price: $167,000
Square Feet: 8,832
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Iowa-educated Hoosier finds his way to AGCO Jackson
From growing up in Illinois to an education at Buena Vista University, Marco Uribe now has found a home in Okoboji with a programming job at AGCO in Jackson, Minnesota. Though this isn't where he thought he'd end up, he's enjoying the region and learning a lot.
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Iowa Lakes Community College among recipients of Governor's Coronavirus Relief Employer Innovation Fund
Iowa Lakes Community College was awarded a $100,000 grant through the Coronavirus Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Grant. Governor Reynolds announced awards to 65 applicants for the fund that assists organizations and educational institutions to provide education to Iowans whose employment was impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Spencer City Manager receives ICMA award
The International City/County Management Association selected Amanda Mack, Spencer City Manager, as the recipient of this year's Early Career Leadership Award. This year's award was given in memory of William J. Hansell.
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Estherville Council approves new grant program
The Estherville City Council has announced a new Excel Estherville grant program to encourage façade improvements for residential properties. The grant would match up to $2,500 of costs for eligible projects. Deadline for applications is November 15.
Learn more about the new Excel Estherville grants.
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Arnolds Park Amusement Park receives Golden Ticket Award
Arnolds Park Amusement Park has been awarded the Golden Ticket Award, a prestigious honor for amusement parks nationwide. The park has specifically been designated a Turnstile Award winner, looking at parks that continue to reinvest in history.
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Dale Carnegie Course - Skills for Success
Who should attend: Professionals at all levels who wish to optimize their
performance, lead with conviction and positively
affect the bottom line.
Location: Historic Roof Garden in Arnolds Park, IA
Date: October 7th, 2020 (runs 8 consecutive Wednesdays)
Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm (have divided this into 2 session so we can practice social distancing to keep participants safe)
Cost: $1,995 per participant includes all materials
Contact: Michaela Tamisiea
Dale Carnegie Strategic Consultant
319.331.2620
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Each week we want to feature and thank the businesses and individuals that have committed to economic development and growth in our communities. To learn more about these investors and others, visit our Business Directory!
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Sector: Business Services/Other
Location: Estherville & Spirit Lake
Description: Motor Inn Auto Group has been family-owned for over 80 years. The stores provide customers with certified automotive service, parts, tires, body shop, lease, car rental, vehicle financing, and sales with highly-trained mechanics and sales representatives for both new and used vehicles.
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Sector: Manufacturing
Location: Dickens
Description: Nolin Milling Inc., is a steel fabricator specializing in dry bulk material handling equipment including spouting, valves, slide gates, adjustable spout ends, and accessories. Other major product line is industrial ductwork for air and dust handling.
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Jobs in the Iowa Lakes Corridor |
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See current job openings here.
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Job Title
Administrative Assistant
Production Team Lead
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Employer
Windtest North-America Inc
MWI Components
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Questions? Want to be featured in next week's newsletter?
or call us at 712.264.3474.
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