Iowa Lakes Corridor News & Events

News & Events

We should celebrate manufacturing for more than a month

Thursday, October 24, 2019

As manufacturing month chugs toward completion, it’s worth a few minutes to consider how important the sector is to our region. We are sometimes tempted to undervalue the making of things in our service age. The news is dominated by apps and quants and financial instruments. Meanwhile, the number of US manufacturing jobs has declined 4.3 million since the peak year of 1979. That’s the state of Iowa, with Rhode Island thrown in for good measure. But folks with oil under their nails know that manufacturing output continues to point north. In fact, our neighbors to the north offer a nice comparison...

October is Manufacturing Month

Friday, October 18, 2019

October is Manufacturing Month! Created to show the reality of modern manufacturing, Manufacturing Month and Manufacturing Day help employers show their communities what manufacturing is really about. FUN FACT: Manufacturing accounts for 87.9% of Iowa’s exports. The first Friday of October is Manufacturing Day, a day focused on showcasing what manufacturing is and dispelling myths of what it isn’t. Many companies throughout the nation hosted events to give students and community members a chance to step into the manufacturing realm and learn more about the industry. The goal of Manufacturing Day is to affect the public perception of manufacturing, to allow th...

Hosts of America's #1 economic development podcast to keynote Corridor Business Recognition Luncheon

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) is happy to announce Dennis Fraise and Jason Hutcheson, hosts of the #1 iTunes economic development podcast Develop This!, as this year’s Business Recognition Luncheon keynote speakers. The Develop This! podcast explores topics related to transformational community leadership in candid conversations with veterans of the economic development profession and inspiring interviews with other thought leaders. Co-host Dennis Fraise – As President and CEO of the Lee County Economic Development Group, Dennis benefits from an eclectic professional background that includes owning a small business that generated more than $3 million in sales. He is a nationa...

Iowa Lakes Corridor seeking nominations for business awards

Thursday, October 03, 2019

SPENCER— The Iowa Lakes Corridor Business Recognition Luncheon is just around the corner. Wednesday, November 13th marks the Corridor’s tenth annual ceremony to thank existing business and industries for their commitment to the Corridor Region. Because of their presence, our economy is further stimulated creating jobs and fostering the quality of life in our area. Nominations are open for four awards to be given during the luncheon: Small Business Excellence (fewer than 30 employees), Large Business Excellence (30 or more employees), Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. Businesses may be nominated for various reasons: contribution to th...

Corridor joins forces with Buena Vista University in winning Google grant

Friday, August 23, 2019

Vote for People's Choice now through August 30th! Storm Lake, Iowa (Aug. 23, 2019) – The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) in partnership with Buena Vista University (BVU) has won a prestigious Google grant to advance programming aimed at facilitating business transitions across Iowa. The Corridor joined with BVU’s Center for Rural Entrepreneurship in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business to embark on a “Match, Learn, Launch” initiative. This project pairs retiring business owners with up-and-coming business operators throughout Iowa and provides mentoring and educational support to new entrepreneurs from succession match to new launch. The partnership won a $175,000 competitive gran...

Press Release: Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Installs Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Thursday, August 15, 2019

For Immediate Release: August 14, 2019 Press Contact: Tresa Hussong tresah@ilec.coop 800-225-4532 Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Installs Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station Estherville - Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is doing its part to alleviate range anxiety in northwest Iowa by installing a charging station in the parking lot of their headquarters’ facility in Estherville, Iowa, adjacent to the 140-kW solar array the Cooperative energized in October 2016. The Cooperative’s first chargin...

Intern Spotlight: Kailye Hromatko

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

By: Laura Nielsen Kailye Hromatko is the Wealth Management Intern at Bank Midwest for the summer. After applying for a general internship at Bank Midwest, they decided to place her in the wealth management position, likely due to the Applied Math and Business Management degrees she is earning at Grand View University in Des Moines. Hromatko is originally from Milford and graduated from Okoboji High School in 2016, so the internship at Bank Midwest’s Okoboji branch was a perfect fit. In her role, Hromatko is helping the bank transition into its new system, saying “I do a lot of updating and uploadin...

Intern Spotlight: Lauren Laven

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

By: Laura Nielsen Lauren Laven first attended the University of Iowa planning to major in music. However, like many first-year college students, she decided that wasn’t for her and found herself enrolling in business classes. Now majoring in Marketing with a minor in Music, the 2017 graduate of Spirit Lake High School is the Marketing Intern at Bank Midwest of Spirit Lake. Last summer, Laven worked as a teller at Bank Midwest’s Okoboji branch where she thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the people who work there. She reached out again this summer with hopes of equally enjoying an internship position...

Intern Spotlight: Cassy Olesen

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

By: Laura Nielsen Cassy Olesen is currently the summer intern for Spencer Radio Group. She is majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications at Iowa State University with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Olesen is originally from Graettinger, Iowa, where she graduated from the Graettinger-Terril school district in 2016. Olesen secured this position after calling the radio station to see if they had interest in a summer intern. “I grew up listening to this station and always thought they did a good job covering the area, so I knew I’d like to work here.” She also stated that she had an internship at ...

Intern Spotlight: Brock Jungjohan

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

By: Laura Nielsen Brock Jungjohan, a 2018 graduate from Spirit Lake High School, is the Marketing Intern at annLeo. Located in Milford, annLeo helps healthcare facilities get the staff they need by being a single point of contact between healthcare locations and multiple medical staffing agencies. Jungjohan is a rising sophomore at the University of Iowa, where he studies Psychology and Enterprise Leadership. When asked what types of classes an Enterprise Leadership major entails he responded, “It’s mostly entrepreneurial classes with some general business, too.” Jungjohan knows Steve Heeg, CEO of GrapeTree Medical Staffing, through his parents, so he used that connectio...

OEI 2019: Meet the Class

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

Buena Vista University Joseph Lind - Belton, MO Junior, Business: Finance, Financial Decision Making & Sport Business Lincoln Rock - Mahtomedi, MN Junior, Business: Corporate Finance & Wellness Management Tyler Tennyson - Truman, MN Senior, Accounting & Business Hannah Wuebker - Grimes, IA Junior, Accounting and Business Iowa Lakes Community College Lexus Gorospe - Baltic, SD Sophomore, Accounting Aaron Kintzle – Estherville, IA Sophomore, Accounting Jacob Pearcy - Laurens, IA Sophomore, Business Iowa State University Geert Boelen - Brooklyn, IA Senior, Agricultural Business w/ Entrepreneurship Minor Logan Borchardt – Mason City, IA Junior, Entrepreneurship Ahmed Ismail – Iowa City, IA Senior, Data Science Cameron Lynch – Iowa City, IA Junior, Industrial Engineering Delaney Quance – Spirit Lake, IA Junior, Entrepreneurship & International Business w/ Spanish Minor Marissa Sanke...

Intern Spotlight: Luke Thompson

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

By: Laura Nielsen Luke Thompson, a 2018 graduate of Okoboji High School, is a mechanical engineer intern for the summer at 966 Industries, located in Milford. He just finished up his first year at South Dakota State University where he studies mechanical engineering. 966 Industries is a new and quickly growing manufacturing and automation company, and they were originally not looking for an intern when Thompson approached the owner, Kevin Frodermann. “I asked a family friend of ours who works there if they were looking for any interns, and he referred me to Kevin and said I should just ask and se...

Intern Spotlight: Rachel Harmon

Friday, June 28, 2019

By: Laura Nielsen Rachel Harmon is the Marketing Solutions Intern at Blink Marketing this summer. She is studying Graphic Design at South Dakota State University. Having graduated from Okoboji High School in 2017, Harmon said she landed this position because she reached out to local marketing agencies: “When I was thinking about coming home for the summer, I researched agencies in the area and then sent them all an email asking if they’d be interested in having an intern for the summer.” She also stated that finding an internship in your major can be difficult in this area, so she wa...

University of Iowa Hydrology Report - Flooding in the Iowa Great Lakes

Friday, June 14, 2019

June 4, 2019 Jen Johnson-Ross Community Development Manager Iowa Great Lakes Association 712-330-1178 jennypattyjohnson@yahoo.com University of Iowa Hydrology Report – Flooding in the Iowa Great Lakes High water levels in 2018 promoted the Iowa Great Lakes Association (IGLA) to engage the University of Iowa’s Institute on Hydroscience & Engineering Department to evaluate and present options to prevent further devastation to the environment, personal property and the recreation/tourism industry that drives the economy of Dickinson County. On Wednesday, June 26th at 1:30 pm the public is invited to the Sami Bedell Center for Performing Arts in Spirit Lake as world-renowned research engineer and professor of civil and environmental engineerin...

Creating an Inclusive Corridor

Thursday, June 13, 2019

This was a busy week in the Iowa Lakes Corridor! On the evening of Tuesday, June 11, the community came together for a screening of "Do We Belong?" at the Spencer Community Theater. A panel and community discussion followed the short documentary about a tragic hate crime against an Indian immigrant in Olathe, Kansas. On the panel were Jay Dahlhauser, a Youth Advocate & Operations Director at The Bridge of Storm Lake; Sunayana Dumala, a Database Developer at Intouch B2D, founder of Forever Welcome and subject of the documentary "Do We Belong?"; Tina Shaw, an Executive Officer in the Iowa Department o...

Lighthouse Summer Concert Series

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Contact: Lee Dutfield Phone: 712.732.3780 Email: lee@stormlakeunited.com LIGHTHOUSE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Storm Lake United is pleased to present the Lighthouse Summer Concert Series: a total of four unique and diverse concerts that are free to attend and a great reason to stay in town and enjoy some family-friendly fun. Bring your blankets and chairs and fin...

Miller named Consultant Connect Top 50 Economic Developers of 2019

Monday, May 13, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carla Sones Consultant Connect PO Box 50664 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 269.207.4982 carla@consultantconnect.org Consultant Connect Announces North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2019 KALAMAZOO, Michigan – Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, announces its 2019 list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve. Each top 50 economic developer will be featured individually starting May 20 through the selected socia...

Round Lake Vineyards & Winery Updates

Thursday, May 02, 2019

Round Lake Vineyards & Winery Wins Double Gold and Goes 6 for 6 in 2019 International Wine Competition Result are in for the 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (FLIWC) held in Rochester, New York. With over 3,000 total entries from commercial wineries from around the world, Round Lake Vineyards & Winery was one of only 59 to win a coveted Double Gold Medal with its red blend, The Gander. In the blind tasting competition, conducted April 13-14 all six wines submitted by Round Lake Vineyards received medals. In addition to The Gander’s double gold, the 2016 Frontenac Gris took ...

Workforce Resources 101: Federal Bonding Program

Thursday, March 28, 2019

What is it? The Federal Bonding Program provides a business insurance policy to protect employers who hire "at-risk" individuals that can be hard-to-place in the workforce. This fidelity bond covers loss of money or property that is due to employee dishonesty such as theft, larceny, forgery or embezzlement. Who does it cover? The program covers individuals involved in the justice system, those in recovery from substance abuse, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients, those with poor credit, economically disadvantaged individuals without work history, and dishonorably discharged military. What doesn't it cover? Poor workmanship liability, job injuries, work accidents, bail bond, contract bond, performance o...

Call for Nominations

Friday, March 15, 2019

The nominating committee of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Board of Directors invites members to submit names of possible candidates for board seats from Dickinson and Emmet counties. The Corridor board includes 16 directors, four each from the four counties the organization serves. Directors are drawn from members of the organization in good standing. For a list of members, click here. Terms are three years and directors can serve no more than two consecutive full terms. The nomination committee will present a slate of candidates to the full board of directors in April. The list is not limited to the candidates suggested by the genera...

Spirit Lake ranks #41 for Most Dynamic Micropolitan

Friday, March 08, 2019

The Walton Family Foundation recently released the Most Dynamic Micropolitans Index ranking 531 micropolitan areas throughout the United States. Ranking at #41, Spirit Lake was the lone Iowa micropolitan to make it into the top 100. A micropolitan is defined to be a geographical area consisting of a city with a population of 10,000 to 50,000. The Most Dynamic Micropolitans Index collects metrics on both short- and long-term growth. These metrics include job growth, wage and income gains and the proportion of total jobs at young firms. The sources of the data used include the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau o...

February 2019 Quarterly Meeting

Friday, March 01, 2019

Thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday's Quarterly Investor Meeting at the beautiful new Majestic Pavilion in Arnolds Park! Turnout was great and the audience learned a lot from the No Boundaries team from GTRA, Okoboji, and Spencer schools. No Boundaries is a project-based learning initiative that motivates students by empowering them to form teams and tackle real-world business and community problems. Businesses pitch projects to the students, who in turn choose the opportunities that best match their interests. Facilitators from all three school districts presented on the program and the value of project-based learning at the Quarterly Investor Meeting. Three middle school students from Okoboji Middle School also discussed their experiences a...

Internships...and a Corridor Opportunity

Friday, February 15, 2019

Young talent. High energy. New ideas. There’s one way to find it all: Interns. If you’re company is looking to hire a high school or college intern this summer, let the Corridor know. We’ll post the opportunity on our web site for all to see. (For an example, click here!) We also receive resumes now and then from students who just might be your perfect fit. And since we’re talking summertime gigs, the Corridor is hiring. Our summer Office and Events Assistant is a 20-hour week position from mid to late May through August 9. The winning applicant will update social media feeds...

2019 Corridor legislative agenda prioritizes workforce, water quality

Thursday, February 07, 2019

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation debuted its priorities for the 2019 legislative session Wednesday, February 6th in Des Moines. The Corridor was one of dozens of economic development groups from around Iowa that converged on the capitol city for a joint Legislative Showcase hosted by the Professional Developers of Iowa and Tourism Federation of Iowa. The event attracted many members of the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives. "PDI and the tourism federation have quite a bit of heft when they come together," said Corridor CEO Kiley Miller, who last year ended a term as co-chair of the Professional Developers of Iow...

Additional Opportunities to Apply for Registered Apprenticeship Funding

Thursday, January 31, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2019 www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov Contact Communications Bureau - 515-499-6820 communications@iwd.iowa.gov Additional Opportunities to Apply for Registered Apprenticeship Funding DES MOINES – Organizations have until 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 to submit proposals to Iowa Workforce Development to receive funding to grow Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in Iowa. Iowa Workforce Development was recently awarded an additional $1 million ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to strengthen and grow Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in Iowa. The grant is focused on expanding opportunities in healthcare, one of the fastest growing and largest employment sectors in the state, as well as increasing the participation of women, youth...

Laborshed Employment Study

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Laborshed employment study to be conducted in the Iowa Lakes Corridor Region The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Corridor region. The study gathers information for the major employment center in each county across the state. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to the workforce in Estherville, Spencer, Spirit Lake and Storm Lake, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns. The purpose of this Laborshed study is t...

Get A Lakes Life Stories

Thursday, January 10, 2019

The Dailey Family: Jenni Daily and her family moved to the lakes of northwest Iowa region from western Nebraska.With countless opportunities for fun and entertainment, Jenni, a program manager at Rembrandt Foods in Spirit Lake, says her family loves their lakes life. “Being here in the lakes area has really given us a lot of opportunities to do different things that we wouldn’t have had in western Nebraska,” she says. “To be outside, and we love the walking trails. We love Arnolds Park. I think we spent every weekend last year at Arnolds Park.” "If you haven't experienced life in the lakes are...

PDU Cables™ Announces production expansion to Estherville

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Contact: Troy Peterson, President, PDU Cables (612) 819-1927, tpeterson@pducables.com PDU Cables™ Announces production expansion to Estherville, Iowa. MINNETONKA – December 27, 2018 - Recent growth in PDU Cables business has led EPCO to seek manufacturing capacity beyond its current facility in Minnetonka. PDU Cables President, Troy Peterson’s familiarity with Estherville, has resulted in EPCO’s acquiring and plan to outfit the building at 108 S 18th Street to accommodate the assembly of select PDU Cables and EPCO products. Overseeing the buildout, staffing and management of the new facility for EPCO and PDU Cables will be Josh Howard. Josh grew up on his family’s far...

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 28, 2018

A new year means a fresh start and an opportunity to look forward to your goals and make resolutions for the coming year. Maybe you're looking to lose some of that weight, especially after the recent holiday season and all of the goodies that comes with it. You could be making a resolution to find a local organization to volunteer for. Or you want to make more time for your family or a hobby you love. Here at the Corridor, a New Year's resolution we have is to recruit more people into the lakes region of Northwest Iowa, but that ca...

A "Dash" of Leadership

Friday, December 21, 2018

Let’s talk reindeer. Can we all agree Rudolph got a bit lucky. A foggy night, a nose so bright, and, HO HO HO, you’re the most famous reindeer of all. Talent, meet timing. But another flyer deserves some extra hay tucked away in his manger: Dasher. Dasher was the big buck at the North Pole. Why do we say that? For one thing, Santa always calls him out first: “On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, etc.” And his name, Dasher, just fits the leading man role. It’s—dare we say it—dashing. Comet is as unreliable as a shooting star. Cupid is small and flighty. An...

Northern Iowa & Southern Minnesota Wine Trail

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact Brianna Werner, MBA (507)-514-6177 | brianna.werner@keyc.com Southern Minnesota Northern Iowa Wine Trail Adventure Begins At The End Of The Roads You Know Mankato, MN – Calling all wine adventurers and enthusiasts! Travel and experience the most captivating local wineries in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa with the Southern Minnesota Northern Iowa Wine Trail passport! New to 2019! The adventure begins by purchasing a $10 passport at any participating winery, including ten (10) in southern Minnesota (Aspelund Winery, Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery, The Cheese Cave, Crow River Winery, Indian Island Winery, Javens Family Vineyard and Winery...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Brandon Rohrig

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Brandon Rohrig was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year at the our annual Business Recognition Luncheon on November 14th. We thought we'd talk with him about himself, the Lakes Area Young Professionals, and why he loves living here! Name: Brandon Rohrig College/University Attended: Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science with honors in dietetics from the University of Wisconsin Stout Graduate: Master of Science in exercise physiology from Minnesota State University, Mankato Graduate thesis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5360372/ Year of Graduation: High school: 2006 Undergraduate: 2013 Graduate: 2015 Current Position: Director of Population and Public Health Company: Lakes Regional Healthcare in the Public Health Department Which YP Group are you a part of? Lakes Area Young Professionals – if yo...

Winter Fun Photo Contest

Friday, December 07, 2018

We know that there are always activities available when you live in the Lakes Region of Northwest Iowa, but we need your help to show others too! Through our GetALakesLife campaign, we want to show those who live far far away why they should move here. So we are asking you to submit your photos of winter fun so we can help show these movers how much fun they can have if they live here! Not only that, but if you are a Community Champion (or would like to become one!), you can receive recognition and rewards for submitting your photos! You ca...

Local Christmas Shopping

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Holidays are upon us! Christmas music can be heard everywhere you go, shopping is very much underway. Those who are really on top of things may already have all of their gifts purchased, but if you're like a majority of the population, you still have a long ways to go. Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, Cyber Monday, sale after sale, gift after gift, last minute shopping, and still trying to find that perfect present. Anymore, so much shopping gets done online, but that pulls money away from our local economies. Without spending time (and money) at our hometown shops, they ma...

Turkey Day

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Thanksgiving meal is all about variety: Turkey on a platter, bread in a basket, bowls of potatoes, stuffing (Perhaps you say dressing?), green beans, and cranberry salad. But what holds it all together? The unsung hero, gravy. Gravy gooses the turkey, gravy leavens the bread. And as for those mashed potatoes, without gravy, they’re just clumpy spoonfuls of disappointment. At the Corridor, we’re proud to be gravy. In the great banquet that is the four-county region, we’re everywhere touching on nearly everything. Retail development? Industrial expansion? Housing? A dollop of Corridor makes them all better. Now, the Corridor—like gravy—is not a main dish...

2018 Business Recognition Award Winners

Thursday, November 15, 2018

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation once again recognized great achievement by local businesses Wednesday at the organization’s annual Business Recognition Luncheon at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer. Winners of this year’s Business Recognition awards are: Young Professional of the Year – Brandon Rohrig, Lakes Regional Healthcare Entrepreneur of the Year – Jill Harms, Blink Marketing Small Business Excellence – Steffes Companies Large Business Excellence – Rembrandt Foods Chairman’s Award (for outstanding support of economic development) – Lyle Hevern, Estherville Area Partnership for Growth Valerie Newhouse, President of Iowa Lakes Community College, and Dr. Carl Turner, retired Superintendent of Storm Lake School District, wer...

OEI Spotlight: Steven Brockshus

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

Steven Brockshus was a part of the 12th Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute in 2017. At the time, he pitched his company, then called Terva, to his fellow students and a panel of judges. Now, just over a year later, we checked in with him to see how things were going for his business. Name and Title: Steven Brockshus, Founder & CEO University attended, degree and year of graduation: Iowa State University, Agricultural Education, 2018 Year attended Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute: 2017 Company name: FarmlandFinder Year Founded: 2016 Location: Des Moines, IA Tell us about your company: FarmlandFinder is an online search engine for land real estate... essentially, it's Zillow fo...

City of Spencer receives APA award

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA – APA-Iowa announces recipients of 2018 Iowa Planning Awards Each year, the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-Iowa) asks its members to nominate plans, projects, and individuals deserving recognition by the professional organization. Award nominees can be recognized in nineteen categories ranging from public outreach to distinguished leadership. Based on an independent review by a jury of professional planners from the Wisconsin Chapter of the APA, eleven nominees have been selected to receive APA-Iowa Awards in 2018. Descriptions of these awards, taken from their applications, can be found below. Economic Development Planning City of Spencer / RDG Planning &...

Intern Spotlight: Blake Carlson

Friday, August 24, 2018

Blake Carlson, a 2016 Spencer High School Graduate, is a marketing and operations intern for Community Insurance this summer. A junior at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, Carlson studies public relations with a double minor in theatre and entrepreneurship. “I became interested in this position after an opportunity fell in my lap,” Carlson explained. “I was interested in learning more about business, and it also gave me an opportunity to return to the area and enjoy everything that Northwest Iowa has to offer.” He hopes to gain a deeper understanding of professional development, noting, “If nothing else, it is more about developin...

Intern Spotlight: Zach Renken

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Zach Renken is a marketing intern with Bank Midwest in Spirit Lake. Renken will be a sophomore at the University of South Dakota where he has a marketing major and a finance minor. Advice from a mentor led him to apply for several positions with different banks. “I dropped my resume off at a few banks in the area, and it didn’t really get anywhere,” Renken said. “I reached out to a connection I had with Bank Midwest, and they helped me out." Additionally, his position gave him a more thorough understanding of the marketing field. "I didn’t think that marketing wa...

Intern Spotlight: Lupe Tapia

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Lupe Tapia is the Human Resources Intern for Quality Refrigerated Services in Spencer. Originally from Harris, Iowa, Tapia will study Human Resources at Iowa Lakes Community College. While scrolling through social media, the job caught her eye. “It popped up on my Facebook page that there was an opening,” Tapia said. “They were looking for someone bilingual who would be willing to train, so I decided to apply. I wanted something where I could use both my English and Spanish, so it was a perfect position.” Because her position started a few weeks ago, she is still figuring out company culture i...

Prepare to Launch

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is proud to offer Prepare to Launch, Northwest Iowa’s Premier Entrepreneurship Workshop. A partnership between the Corridor, local businesses and entrepreneurs, this program is designed to help people take practical steps to make their business dreams a reality. Upon graduation from the workshop, participants will have created a functioning business plan and other elements necessary to start a new business. Corridor Senior Vice President and entrepreneur-in-residence Brian Dalziel has been offering hands-on business startup workshop training to Northwest Iowa entrepreneurs for 8 years. “Iowa Lakes Corridor offers Prepare to Launch as a part of its continuin...

Intern Spotlight: Kaitlyn Hill

Thursday, August 09, 2018

Kaitlyn Hill is a Project Management Office intern at Rembrandt Foods. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Hill is a senior at Iowa State University where she studies agricultural business and economics. While scrolling through online job boards, the position with Rembrandt caught Hill’s eye. “I found them on the CyHire Website at Iowa State and applied having no idea what Rembrandt was or what they did,” she admitted. “I saw the logo, and I knew that they worked with eggs which I really liked. I also saw that they were in Spirit Lake, and I had never been up here so ...

Intern Spotlight: Jenny Klenken

Thursday, August 02, 2018

Jenny Klenken, a 2015 graduate of Spencer High School, is an intern with Williams & Company, P.C. this summer. Her position is supported through the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internship Program. Klenken will be a senior at the University of Northern Iowa in the fall where she studies accounting and finance. “It was kind of word of mouth in Spencer,” she admitted when asked how she found the position. “I was looking at internships in the Des Moines area and wasn’t finding what I was looking for. I was on the UNI job board one day, and this position came up...

Intern Spotlight: Daylain Bastman

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Daylain Bastman of Greenville is working as the intern for Quail Construction this summer, a position supported by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internship Program. In the fall Bastman, a graduate of Spencer High School, will be a senior at Iowa State University where he studies industrial technology. His interest in the position stemmed from a relationship with the owners of Quail Construction. “I actually know Joe and Anne [Quail] and they brought it to my attention and emailed me when I was down at Iowa State,” he explained. “I applied for the position, and it went from there.” “I like th...

Future Ready Iowa Regional Summits announced

Thursday, July 19, 2018

(DES MOINES) – Registration for Future Ready Iowa Regional Summits is now open. Summit attendees will collaborate with local partners on workforce solutions. The day-long summits are scheduled for late September and early October in nine Iowa communities: Atlantic, Burlington, Davenport, Denison, Fort Dodge, Muscatine, Pella, Sheffield and Spencer. The events will bring together key partners in education, business, economic development and community to create local strategies that ensure all Iowans are future ready. “Future Ready Iowa was created to connect more Iowans with rewarding careers and good-paying jobs with Iowa employers,” Gov. Reynolds said of the initiative, which has a goa...

Intern Spotlight: Claire Netten

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Claire Netten of Ankeny, Iowa is the intern with Blink Marketing in Milford. In the fall, Netten will be a senior at the University of Northern Iowa. She is a marketing major with an emphasis in advertising and digital media and a minor in business communication. “I wanted to find an internship where I could get a lot of first-hand experience” she explained when asked about her interest in finding a position for the summer, adding, “My family comes to Okoboji every summer, so I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to work in the lakes area because ...

State data shows wages increasing

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Northwest Iowa’s history of below average pay may be changing. Newly released statistics show “Laborshed” wages climbing across the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. County FY 2019 wage FY 2018 wage Buena Vista $17.23 $16.23 Clay $17.80 $17.10 Dickinson $17.61 $16.83 Emmet $17.11 $16.29 Statewide laborshed wages moved upward from $17.46 in FY 2018 to $18.08 in FY 2019. “The economy is growing and demand for labor is strong,” said Kiley Miller, CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. “That inevitably drives up wages. “Higher wages are a mixed blessing,” Miller continued. “They help draw sidelined workers into the labor pool, provide disposable income for families, and make it easier to attract newcomers to our region, but they als...

From the CEO: Growth Requires Effort of Scores of People

Thursday, July 12, 2018

The region captured another recruitment win this month. The story began when a small business owner from outside the Iowa Lakes Corridor made what was presumably a routine stop at a Spencer establishment. As the transaction ended, an employee of the local company asked, “Is there anything else you need?” (In case you doubted, customer service is alive and well in Northwest Iowa.) The businessman said off-handedly that what he really wanted was a few thousand square feet of production space; demand was rocketing and he was plumb out of room at his current shop. The local employee might be expected to smile politel...

Intern Spotlight: Allison Carlon

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Allison Carlon of Fort Dodge is the Accounting Intern, for Iowa Lakes Regional Water this summer. A rising junior at Buena Vista University, Carlon majors in business and accounting. When asked how she discovered the position, Carlon said, “It was presented to me as an opportunity through our Career and Personal Development Office at school. I really wanted to start getting some internship experience so that I can build up my resume.” She is excited to gain knowledge about how to apply accounting in an actual business setting. “In class, it's kind of hard to see how it is going to wor...

Intern Spotlight: Mary Horger

Thursday, July 05, 2018

Mary Horger, a senior at Iowa State University, is working as a Quality Assurance Intern for Rembrandt Foods this summer. At Iowa State, Horger studies microbiology and has a minor in food safety. Not knowing anything about Rembrandt before applying, she found their booth at a career fair. “A lot of recruiters come to Iowa State for the career fair, and Rembrandt was at one and I turned in my resume as a long shot. I got the job from there,” said Horger. Even without prior experience with the company, she applied for positions hoping to gain background in quality assurance goin...

Intern Spotlight: Shannon Clark

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Shannon Clark of Spencer is one of the Marketing and Operations interns for Community Insurance this summer. A senior at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa, Clark is majoring in communications with an emphasis in graphic design and journalism and a minor in humanities. Clark wanted an internship in the area where she could hone her graphic design skills. “My main goal was to get a job in Spencer where I could also do graphic design,” Clark explained. “Liz Kluver, an instructor in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business at BVU, told me that Scott [Simpson] was looking for someon...

Spencer Hospital to open new dialysis center

Thursday, June 28, 2018

For more than 20 years, people in need of life-sustaining dialysis treatments have been able to receive care at the Warner Dialysis Center of Spencer Hospital, located within the hospital. In July, patients will transfer to a newly renovated facility located at 1721 West 18th Street, designed to meet the growing demand for services and to provide more convenient access to care. “Our patients and healthcare team are so excited to move into the new facility,” said Danette Forbes, dialysis services director. “With the move, we’ll increase the number of treatment stations from eight to 14, with space to add mor...

Intern Spotlight: Maddie Schwenneker

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Spencer native Maddie Schwenneker is the Marketing Intern for the Clay County Fair. An Iowa State University senior, Schwenneker is majoring in communications with a Spanish minor and a business emphasis. After her mother found the internship online and suggested she apply, Schwenneker dug a little deeper into the specific responsibilities and decided it was something she wanted to try. She was attracted to the position thanks to a desire to learn more about the field and a lifelong love of the Clay County Fair. “I was interested in applying because it’s marketing and communications so that’s obviously what I a...

Corridor Announces Hiring of Alyssa Kragelund

Thursday, June 14, 2018

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Alyssa Kragelund to their team. Originally from Anita, Iowa and a 2018 graduate of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Kragelund will be the new Coordinator of Administration and Communication for the Corridor. Throughout her time at Buena Vista, Alyssa was able to study marketing and accounting, as well as obtain a minor in vocal music performance. She first began to learn about the Corridor last summer. “I was a part of the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute in 2017, so I got to know the Corridor through that, and then Kiley Mille...

Intern Spotlight: Gracie Vatthauer

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Gracie Vatthauer is the intern for Newsradio 1240 KICD, Big Country 107.7 & MORE 104.9, a position supported by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internship Program. Hailing from Wheaton, Minnesota, Vatthauer will be a junior at Iowa State University in the fall, where she majors in agricultural communications and has a minor in international agriculture. When asked how she discovered the program, Vatthauer recalls going to work with her father in Northwest Iowa last spring and meeting representatives from the radio station who encouraged her to apply. The part of her job that she is most looking forward to is attending 1...

Intern spotlight: Landon Louscher, Farmers Bank

Thursday, June 07, 2018

Landon Louscher is the Marketing Associate Intern at Farmers Bank in Spencer, an opportunity supported by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust program. Louscher is from Paullina, Iowa, where he has lived his whole life. He attends Iowa State University and will be a senior in the fall. After taking a marketing class last year, Louscher decided to add a marketing major to his management major. A desire to stay in Northwest Iowa and his newfound passion for marketing inspired him to apply for this position which he saw posted on the Iowa State online job board, CyHire. The process went ver...

Corridor welcomes Katie Simpson as summer assistant

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has added Summer Office and Events Assistant, Katie Simpson, to their team. The daughter of Scott and Alison Simpson, and a 2017 graduate of Spencer High School, Simpson recently completed her first year at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she is pursuing degrees in marketing and public relations. Throughout her time with the Iowa Lakes Corridor, Simpson will create profiles of area interns, complete marketing and administrative tasks and will assist with the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute. “Working with the Iowa Lakes Corridor is such an incredible opportunity,” Simpson said. “I am excited t...

Miller delivers opening keynote at Heartland Economic Development Course

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation President & CEO Kiley Miller delivered the opening keynote address at Heartland Economic Development Course in April in Blue Springs, Missouri. Heartland Economic Development Course is four-day intensive training in the basic concepts, information, methods and strategies of local economic development. The course draws 85 students annually from across the Midwest. Graduates have taken the first step in earning their Certified Economic Development designation from the International Economic Development Council. Miller is in his fourth year as CEO of the Corridor, a regional economic development organization serving Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. A graduate fro...

Iowa Lakes Corridor receives award for business retention and expansion effort

Thursday, May 03, 2018

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) honored economic development organizations from Ames, Ottumwa, Iowa Lakes Corridor, and West Central Iowa during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 2. Sponsored by Blane, Canada Ltd and Smart Solutions Group, the PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies. Receiving an award for Single Project Success - Single/Smaller Community - Iowa Lakes Development Corporation and the GrapeTree Medical Staffing Company in Milford. What’s a “grapetree”? ...

New homes valued up to $250,000 now eligible for Spencer Quality Housing Initiative grants

Thursday, April 26, 2018

On behalf of Spencer Area Jobs Trust, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is excited to announce that new homes with total land and dwelling values up to $250,000 are now eligible for Spencer Quality Housing Initiative grants. The Spencer Quality Housing Initiative (QHI) makes grants of up to $15,000 available to buyers of newly constructed, never-occupied homes in Spencer. Since 2012, QHI has disbursed more than $1.1 million in grants to 80 homebuyers. Previously, the total appraised land and dwelling value could not exceed $199,500 for the home to qualify for QHI grant funds. The minimum total value remains $110,000. QHI i...

Friday, February 23, 2018

Better business starts with better leaders. If you're looking to improve your awareness level and leadership skills, then our partners at Aileron have the perfect course for you: Exploring Conscious Leadership, May 21 at the Waterfront Event Center in Okoboji. Aileron wants to help you shape your business into everything you want it to be. Much of that starts with leadership. Reserve your spot. Register today. What is this course? It's a one-day, interactive program to encourage desired habit change and improved leadership, followed by a 30 minute one-on- one coaching session, with a Certified Professional Leadership Coach. During the workshop, you’ll define how yo...

Studio 12 in Estherville hosting courses on contract law for entrepreneurs, computer programming

Friday, February 23, 2018

Interested in entrepreneurship, small business or computer programming? Studio 12 in Estherville has upcoming courses for you. "The Nuts & Bolts of Contract Law for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs" March 10 If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur and you've always wanted to learn more about contracts -including the purpose and meaning of common contractual clauses - this workshop is for you! This two-hour practical and engaging workshop focuses on the "nuts and bolts" of contract law, and it is especially appropriate for busy small business owners and entrepreneurs. Although the workshop isn't intended as a substitute for legal advice, it addresse...

Spencer Hospital Named One of the Nation’s Top Community Hospitals for Third Consecutive Year

Friday, February 16, 2018

Spencer Hospital has again been named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States, earning the designation for the third consecutive year. The nation’s top hospitals are recognized annually by iVantage Health Analytics, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare analytics. “Our medical staff and healthcare team strive to provide exceptional care for our patients each day,” commented Bill Bumgarner, Spencer Hospital president. “I’m pleased that the skill and empathy that our physicians and co-workers consistently offer our patients is again being recognized among the top 100 community hospitals in the nation.” To identify top performing hospitals, iVantage aggregate...

Utilities, Iowa Lakes Corridor announce new industrial building for sale in Spirit Lake

Friday, January 19, 2018

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa – Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Corn Belt Power Cooperative and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) today announced completion of a speculative building for industry in East Lakes Industrial Park. The 30,000-square-foot, steel building at 540 East Fifth Street, Spirit Lake, is available for purchase for $799,000. Constructed by Henningsen Construction of Spencer, the building is a partnership of the cooperatives, and the Corridor, a regional economic development organization. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Future Fund, an affiliate of the Corridor, owns the building. A loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped finance the project. (Photo illustration of complete...

LDI CEO: "Glad to make Dickinson County our newest location"

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Liberty Diversified International CEO announces 100 jobs in former Polaris plant MINNEAPOLIS -- Mike Fiterman, Chairman and CEO of family-owned Liberty Diversified International (LDI), announced today that the company plans to purchase the former Polaris Industries manufacturing plant in Milford and will employ more than 100 people for furniture manufacturing operations. “We have been searching throughout the Midwest for high-tech manufacturing space for our Safco Products Co. operations,” Fiterman said. “Moving into the Milford facility became an excellent option for us because of the educated workforce, a plant with advanced technology capabilities, and the combined support of the Milford City Council and the Iow...

Spencer Ag Center honored with Iowa Venture Award

Thursday, December 07, 2017

West Des Moines, Iowa - The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), on behalf of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and independent telecommunication companies, honored seven distinguished Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting at the Sheraton West Des Moines. Spencer Ag Center was recognized with an Iowa Venture Award for their recent $2 million facility investment. This new 25,000 sq. ft. headquarters, warehouse, and service center is located in the Green Industrial Park in Spencer, Iowa. The business has been operation for over 30 years an...

From the CEO: For the holidays, a piece of the government pie

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Government is big business. The biggest business, actually. The federal government consumed 20 percent of the Gross Domestic Product in Fiscal Year 2017, according to the US Office of Management and Budget. For perspective, the combined economic benefit of manufacturing—both durable and nondurable goods—and trade—both retail and wholesale—doesn’t quite keep Uncle Sam’s lights on. You have to gobble up the big brother’s portion of the information sector too. What about state and local governments? Only slightly smaller in cost than the federal government, at 17 percent of GDP, they are far bigger employers. Govtech.com estimates that local government alone will put 14....

Government contracting opportunities presentation scheduled for Dec. 1

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has teamed up with America's SBDC at Iowa Lakes Community College to give an overview of governement contracting opportunities for Iowa small businesses. When: December 1, 2017 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Where: America’s SBDC Iowa Iowa Lakes Community College 1900 Grand Avenue, Suite b-1 Spencer, IA 51301 Register online. What: Did you know that the SBA has a program to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace? The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program offers a wide range of assistance to eligible small businesses interested in government contracting. This FREE one-hour workshop gives an overview of the SBA’s certification process an...

List your properties on the LOIS lane

Friday, November 03, 2017

By Kiley Miller Iowa Lakes Corridor CEO As the designated regional partner for the Iowa Economic Development Authority and our state’s electric utilities, the Corridor has a seldom-discussed obligation. We are required to list available industrial properties through the Location One Information Service, an online real estate platform. This represents opportunity for property owners in our region. For folks in the know, LOIS, as the site is commonly called, is similar to CoStar/Loopnet. Head to http://lakescorridor.com/ilcdc/site-location/available-sites-and-buildings and you’ll see what I mean. You’ll get the goods on buildings from Estherville to Storm Lake. Greenfield sites are included, too. Why is this important? When ...

Spencer Area Jobs Trust reimburses companies for providing internships

Thursday, October 12, 2017

The Spencer Area Jobs Trust recently reimbursed six employers for a portion of internship wages earned over the summer. The wages were reimbursed through the organization’s Internship Program, which provides support and financial resources to help existing employers find workers with the right skills, introduce new young professionals to the region and retain young professionals currently living in the region. Businesses participating this year were Crown Clinics LLC; Midwestern Mechanical, Inc.; Montgomery, Barry, Bovee, Steffen and Davis; Spencer Radio Group; Veridian Limited and Williams and Company. In total, six interns working at those businesses earned $36,498 this past summer. Under the Internship Program...

From the CEO: What legislative and policy issues matter most to you?

Thursday, September 21, 2017

It’s fall, the season of kaleidoscopic leaves, clashing football helmets … and legislative agendas? That’s right. As bright as a homecoming queen’s smile, polished brochures listing every conceivable cut, rollback, expansion or extension come pouring out of industry groups, think tanks and action committees. Simultaneously, lawmakers and reporters in the know screw down expectations by reminding us that “there is a budget shortfall” and “it’s an election year.” This is to the good. We are blessed to live in a Republic that provides unfettered access to elected officials. Yes, it’s noisy out there, but heard from the proper distance, all those shout...

Iowa Lakes Corridor shares career and education opportunities during Clay County Fair

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Jobs, jobs, jobs! Don't forget the degrees, degrees, degrees! Northwest Iowa has it all - opportunities to land a rewarding career or earn an education with benefits that last a lifetime. Browse more photos below. This year at the Clay County Fair, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, in partnership with Iowa Lakes Community College, IowaWORKS and other regional partners, debuted the Northwest Iowa Opportunities Hub. Hundreds of fairgoers have enjoyed a heavy equipment simulator and have received information from sponsors about opportunities in the area. The Corridor has also been busy plugging getalakeslife.com to visitors. Anyone interested in exploring available jobs advertised at the Northwest Iow...

Pristine lakes, fine fishing

Monday, September 11, 2017

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." ~Doug Larson If you want to focus on the important things of life, look no further than the Iowa Great Lakes region. It’s home to a series of pristine lakes, which provide ample opportunities to relax, enjoy nature and — most importantly — fish! East and West Okoboji Lakes feature fine fishing opportunities. West Okoboji is Iowa's deepest natural lake, with 47 different species of fish and more Iowa all-time big fish records than any other lake in the state. East Okoboji features a fishin...

From the CEO: "Other duties as assigned"

Friday, September 08, 2017

“Other duties as assigned.” The most dangerous four words in employment. So you think you’re an accountant? Don’t forget the boss’s dry cleaning. Work in IT? That toilet needs scrubbing, buddy. I discovered the perfidious majesty of “other duties as assigned” while still at the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, my previous employer. It was July in southern Iowa, it was midafternoon, the heat index hovered between Amazon rainforest and spontaneous combustion, and I was pushing a lawnmower through foot deep weeds around a 50,000 SF industrial building. I distinctly remember thinking, between sneezes and swear words, “Shouldn’t I be further in lif...

Learn how to make your business more accessible to persons with disabilities

Friday, September 08, 2017

Area business owners are invited to learn how they can make their stores, shops and service areas more accessible to persons with disabilities and the general public at a community event featuring Michele S. Ohmes, ADA specialist, consultant, trainer and author. Ohmes will be presenting "Let's Get Practical" on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Parish Hall, located at 1111 4th Ave. W. in Spencer. Ohmes will share how business owners and managers can make easy, economical revisions to their businesses or facilities to become more accessible. She'll also help attendees learn how to be more comfortable with interactin...

A cherished family tradition

Monday, September 04, 2017

County fairs are a fantastic family-friendly tradition. Year after year, they bring communities together for competitions, entertainment, food and festivities. The first modern Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa was held in 1918, six weeks before the Armistice of World War I. It has grown tremendously since then. After a record attendance of 110,105 people in 1928, it was dubbed “The World’s Greatest County Fair.” It’s one of the most rural-oriented fairs still in operation, with a 35-acre agribusiness/farm machinery display area. It remains one of the most well attended county fairs in America. This year the Clay County Fair takes place Septembe...

Explore careers, the ‘Lakes Life’ at Opportunities Hub during Clay County Fair

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Area employers are sending a clear message: “We’re hiring!” The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will help share this good news during the Clay County Fair, Sept. 9-17, at the Northwest Iowa Opportunities Hub in the new Centennial Plaza, formerly the site of the Ag Building. In addition to learning about area job opportunities, fairgoers who visit the Northwest Iowa Opportunities Hub can test their skill in operating a variety of construction vehicles and other heavy machinery. The simulator is free. “Our goal is to give fairgoers a hands-on experience using equipment simulators, showcase great businesses, explore career and education opportunities and discove...

From the CEO: Job creation, community development stem from cooperation

Thursday, August 31, 2017

By Kiley Miller, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation President & CEO Teamwork and customer service. Those are the two indispensables of economic development. Which makes a particular circumstance a couple weeks ago particularly sweet in my memory. Here’s the scenario. A representative from a company outside the region called with a question: Does tax abatement apply on a particular Dickinson County property? This sort of inquiry is common here at the Corridor and I was 90 percent sure I knew the answer. But county-city boundaries can get a touch wonky and I could not afford to be wrong. So what did I do...

Come home to the fair

Monday, August 28, 2017

The first Clay County Fair Association was organized in 1917, which means the “The World’s Greatest County Fair” celebrates its centennial this year, September 9-17. Spencer, Iowa residents can be proud of the fair’s unique legacy. The 2017 Clay County Fair will culminate in a phenomenal party to mark 100 years. Those who have moved away will want to return home for the fair’s big Birthday Bash. Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons promises a “once-in-a-lifetime event you won’t want to miss,” with “daring thrill acts, comedy, music, and the largest fireworks display ever seen at the Fair.” Check out the fair’s website for mor...

I’ll see you at the fair.

Monday, August 21, 2017

County fairs give residents a chance to step back to a slower time, when people made their own entertainment. These fairs contribute to the local economy, but experts say their biggest benefit is community building. In a world of cellphones, headphones and virtual reality, a 1200-lb. steer looking straight at you provides a healthy dose of genuine reality. The Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, part of the Lakes Corridor region, has been entertaining local residents since 1917. Calling itself the World’s Greatest County Fair, it is on a mission to present entertainment, competitions and exhibits, all with a family-friendly atmosphere. See th...

Bike to Boji

Monday, August 14, 2017

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on a motorcycle. The thrill of the ride tends to melt away everyday anxiety, allowing people to experience a rare sense of freedom. There’s also a unique kinship among those who ride. An event in Okoboji, Iowa in the third weekend of August celebrates this spirit. The annual 3rd Annual Boji Bike Rally in takes place August 18-20. The event welcomes enthusiasts riding all makes and models. It takes place along a pristine, glacier-carved lake. The rally will feature demo rides, live music, food, Polaris plant tours, boat rides and more. It’s the perfect excus...

Come sail away

Monday, August 07, 2017

Have you ever noticed that being around a body of water can help you feel calmer? There's a whole body of research suggesting water brings on "Blue Mind," a meditative state of peacefulness. If that’s true, Dickinson County, in northwestern Iowa must be one of the most laid-back regions of the state. It’s home to the Iowa Great Lakes, which span 12,700 acres and 70 miles of shoreline. Five of the lakes are connected, making it a blissful place to go boating and sailing. Okoboji’s first yacht club was organized in 1877. The present-day Okoboji Yacht Club has about 500 members an...

What do you do?

Monday, July 31, 2017

Begun in 1992, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, ILCDC brought together Clay and Dickinson counties with the goal of fostering, aiding and assisting the growth of the local economy. Since then, Emmet and Buena Vista have joined the team. For over two decades, the group’s mission has stayed the same: to foster, encourage, aid or otherwise assist the area’s development and economic health. Whatever it takes, that’s what the ILCDC is ready to do. Its values are based on integrity, openness and respect, and making the best use of the strengths and opportunities in each county. Working together, they each ge...

Working Together to Grow a Region

Monday, July 24, 2017

Many rural areas of the country face tough economic times. The ones that make the most headway have formed collaborative groups. Working together, they can raise awareness, innovate and get companies interested in moving to the region, spurring jobs and the marketplace. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, ILCDC, is one of the most successful Midwest groups. Since 1992, it has promoted and sparked economic opportunity in the four-county area of Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Buena Vista. In recognition, it was presented with the Silver Shovel award from the Iowa Area Development Group. Want to be part of the success story? Check ou...

Get A Lakes Life: Find opportunity, fun in the lakes of northwest Iowa

Thursday, July 20, 2017

You can find opportunities in many places, but you have to look harder to find the right combination of opportunity and fun. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is telling folks to look no further and get a lakes life. Visit getalakeslife.com, the Corridor's new website dedicated to spreading the word about what our region has to offer, to either find opportunities for yourself or for people you know. In the Lakes of Northwest Iowa region, you can land a job that launches you into a career. You can raise a family in safe, welcoming communities with spectacular schools. You can also live right next t...

Higher education for high-tech workers

Monday, July 17, 2017

Locales that have the biggest pools of highly trained workers have higher education readily available. It just makes sense. Students are attracted to schools with good reputations. After graduation, many stay in the area, especially if it has amenities like affordable housing, outdoor recreation and good healthcare. The Iowa Lakes Corridor excels in opportunities for higher education, one of the biggest reasons it can boast of its high-tech workforce. Look at Buena Vista University, on the shore of Storm Lake. The first wireless community in the nation, it built the $26 million Estelle Siebens Science Center a decade ago. Iowa Lakes Communit...

Good training = good workers

Monday, July 10, 2017

Finding a pool of qualified workers is one of the biggest struggles for companies in these days of high-tech everything. There is a severe shortage of STEM-trained employees, those in the science, technology, engineering and math careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says private industry is suffering the most. Nationwide, the shortfall is about 1 million people. One way to increase this pool of highly trained workers is by promoting these careers to students and forming partnerships between local schools and employers in an area. That’s what the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is doing with its Business Education Partnerships program. The...

IOWA RISES THREE SPOTS IN ANNUAL BEST STATES FOR BUSINESS RANKINGS

Friday, July 07, 2017

Iowa’s reputation as a great place to do business is on the rise. Chief Executive asked CEOs nationwide to rank the best states for business in its annual survey, and Iowa moved up three spots from last year’s ranking. Most notably, the CEOs ranked Iowa as having the second highest quality workforce in the nation. The surveyed CEOs also ranked Iowa the third best state for financial services companies and third best state for living environment. Read the full article here, “CEOs Rank 2017 Best & Worst States for Business.” Continue to original article.

Kristi’s Kandies and Heirlooms appeals to all tastes

Friday, July 07, 2017

It’s a delicious treat no one can beat. Not to mention all the beautiful heirlooms on display for sale throughout the store. The store is owned by Julie Egland and is located on Lake Avenue. The store has been in existence for sixteen years. Its original location was on Erie Street but moved to its 612 Lake Avenue location in 2004. Julie came up with the idea when she saw the need for a candy and antique store so Kristi’s Kandies and Heirlooms was born. The store is named after their daughter-in law. The idea to have the heirlooms in with the cand...

Local food scene keeps on truckin’

Friday, July 07, 2017

Food trucks have been a mainstay in metropolitan communities for years, but the four-wheels-with-food approach is starting to find a foothold in the Iowa Great Lakes. Two trucks, named Fare You Well and Farm to Fork, are the major mobile restaurants in the area. Fare You Well Manager Desi Wheeler she started her food truck in April. A conversation in passing fueled the idea and the longtime foodservice employee her mobile enterprise decided to take on the venture. Help comes from LeeMarie Lowe and Sam Svihl — whom she had worked with before. Lowe took on the role of sous chef. “It kin...

Nutty Bar tradition lives on with new owners

Friday, July 07, 2017

Established in 1945, the Nutty Bar Stand in Arnolds Park has been a tasty tradition in the Iowa Great Lakes Region for over 70 years. The business was sold during the winter, causing generations of faithful customers to become apprehensive: Would its quality change? Would it become something other than the famous shop? New owners Kira and Michael Jensen bought the Nutty Bar Stand from Doug Frederick with intentions of honoring history. “We want it to have the nostalgic quality that the Nutty Bar Stand is,” Kira Jensen said. In early spring the couple began drawing plans for the renovations with a deadlin...

RAGBRAI town meeting held

Friday, July 07, 2017

The Spencer RAGBRAI Team conducted a town meeting at the Stables on the Clay County Fairgrounds to talk to the community about everything planned during RAGBRAI's overnight stop in town on July 23. “A majority of the riders are not from Iowa so that's why this is such a huge thing for Spencer because we want those people to come back. We want those people to vacation here, visit here, live, work or play here, and so it's up to us to create the best event that we can so that those people have a great favorable perception of the tow...

Studio 12 open for innovation

Friday, July 07, 2017

Second floor renovation meant as anchor for collaborative neighborhood for entrepreneurs. Economic development director Lyle Hevern says the internet and mobile technology have created a world of entrepreneurship from kitchen tables, cars and cafs. "Several years ago, we hatched a vision to create an entrepreneur neighborhood in vacant second stories of buildings in downtown Estherville," Hevern said to a crowd gathered for Studio 12's ribbon cutting and grand opening. The former ballroom in the renovated space at 12 South 6th Street in Estherville has been reimagined into a meeting and co-working space with tables, chairs, projector and screen, an...

Iowa Lakes gets funding to help prepare area students for college

Thursday, July 06, 2017

Iowa Lakes Community College will receive a grant to help prepare area students for college, the U.S. Department of Education announced. The Upward Bound grant provides fundamental support as young people in grades 9-12 begin planning their education following graduation from high school. “This is a good match for Iowa Lakes, as it reflects how all our staff members work to assist students each day,” Valerie Newhouse, President of Iowa Lakes, said. “This grant helps to keep minds growing and it encourages these high school students to believe in themselves as they prepare for college.” “In addition, students who choose to settle i...

Iowa’s got more adventure on offer than you think

Thursday, July 06, 2017

Iowa gets the most surprising props, like its recent inclusion among the happiest states in America (and the best places to retire). Who knew? But there’s another thing no one seems to know about the Hawkeye State: It’s overflowing with outdoor activities. Sure, you might have heard about July’s annual RAGBRAI — the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world — but did you know you can whitewater playboat (aka freestyle) in Iowa? And hike, rock climb and gravel grind? This is a state of rolling hills and hidden gems. A favorite of Jessica O’Riley, who works for the Iowa Economic Development Authority an...

Visit the Corridor's Northwest Iowa Opportunities Hub at the Clay County Fair

Thursday, July 06, 2017

You could be nurse pretty much anywhere. You could work in a manufacturing plant just about anywhere. And you could find a career in agriculture in many places, too. But why not explore one of those or many other opportunities in northwest Iowa, where you'll find a combination of recreational and outdoor activities that you can't find in just any place? We're talking about the lakes life - and we want to share it. At this year's Centennial Clay County Fair, Sept. 9-17, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is bringing those opportunities to light with the Northwest Iowa Opportunities Hub. The Opportunities Hub, in partnership with Iow...

Opening date nears for Milford’s Dollar General

Wednesday, July 05, 2017

Dollar General officials anticipate a mid-summer opening, but for now concrete will continue to dry outside of the storefront in north Milford. Milford Deputy City Clerk Carrie Funk said company officials contacted the city about building a new store in the fall of 2016. “Based on the initial construction timeline, I anticipate the store will open by mid-summer,” Laura Somerville, with Dollar General Corporate Communications, said. Somerville said the time line may be altered some as the last few construction phases progress. She said the company considers several factors when placing a new store. “When choosing store locations, meeting customers’ needs is Dollar General’...

Finding the right workforce

Monday, July 03, 2017

Businesses relocate for a variety of reasons, but finding a skilled pool of workers is one of the most common. Change is hard, but for some companies relocation means the difference between stagnating and growing. If your company can’t find suitable workers after publishing numerous ads on websites and actively searching, the next step is finding where your workers actually are. It’s smart to contact state and regional groups interested in attracting new business. The Iowa Lakes Corridor offers relocating help. See here. Led by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, the area actively seeks to match qualified workers with businesses in th...

Arnolds Park among state’s 30 fastest-growing cities

Saturday, July 01, 2017

A 120-year-old city in Dickinson County is seeing a lot of new growth. Arnolds Park added 130 residents since 2010, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released by the State Library of Iowa on Thursday. The community’s 11.5 percent increase over seven years places it among the 30 fastest-growing communities in Iowa. The new numbers reflect estimates from July 1, 2016. “We’ve seen new construction in our town – and a lot of it has to do with Bridges Bay,” Arnolds Park City Clerk Wanda Thielen said. “Bridges Bay has a new condo building being constructed right now. They have plans fo...

Eaton building in Spencer for sale

Saturday, July 01, 2017

Eaton Corporation has listed its Spencer building for sale. The company is asking $3.3 million for the 330,000-square-foot building that sits on just less than 63 acres of land, according to a recently posted Location One Information Systems listing. “We’re excited by the availability of this property,” said Kiley Miller, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation President and CEO. “It’s a great size, it’s at a great location and the property itself is beautiful and sized for expansion.” Thomas Wenkstern of Cushman and Wakefield is the building broker. The Iowa Lakes Corridor is also working to identify possible occupants. “We’re working with the broker directly,” Mille...

Accurate Appliance meets demand for Storm Lake and surrounding area

Friday, June 30, 2017

Accurate Appliance has opened a new store located at 125 Flint Drive next to Malarkey’s. Tawny Shuck and her husband who reside in Spencer own the shop. Storm Lake’s Accurate Appliance is a branch store from the main one in Spencer. What made them decide to open a store in Storm Lake? “With all the rentals coming and going in Storm Lake we saw the need for a store like this one. We had many customers drive up to Spencer from Storm Lake and thought it would be a good move,” remarks Shuck. Their main goal is to recycle, reuse and repurpose...

Adult learners are motivated

Monday, June 26, 2017

More than 40 percent of all higher education enrollments are aged 25 or older, officially known as adult learners. Teachers love them. They are motivated by the need and desire for career success. In the Iowa Lakes Corridor, these adult learners are catered to. Business people and teachers understand how determined they are, increasing their chances for educational success. Three school systems are available to them. Buena Vista University, on the shores of Storm Lake, is renowned for the quality of its educational facilities and commitment to technology. Iowa Lakes Community College offers the highly respected Wind Technology and Turbine Technology program...

Ribbon cutting held for Good Sam salon and spa

Monday, June 26, 2017

B.J. Baskerville cuts the ribbon on the new salon and spa at Good Samaritan Center. After a year of planning and fundraising, the area features a full service hair salon, and a whirlpool spa with flat screen TV for residents to relax. The area opens up to the center's physical and occupational therapy area, and to the massage therapy room. From left, Lexie Ruter, Estherville Chamber Director, Liz Graham, Sharen Cassem, Christina Dunlavy, B.J. Baskerville, and ambassadors Bob Leifeld, Lesli Iverson, and Mary Prentice. Continue to full article.

Keeping healthcare healthy

Monday, June 19, 2017

How do hospitals keep enough nursing staff on board 24/7/365 so patients stay safe and well cared for? With technology-driven medicine, a human needs to monitor all those pieces of beeping equipment and flashing screens. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, hospitals that struggle to keep enough nurses on staff usually have more cases of pneumonia, cardiac arrest and urinary tract infections. So staffing is an essential concern. One way to assure the proper levels is by relying on professional medical staffing service companies that use state-of-the-art recruitment and communication methods. In the local area, that’s GrapeTree Medical Staffin...

Everything old is new again

Monday, June 12, 2017

Old-time iron works produced cast iron for fences, furniture and factories. They were at the cutting edge of industrial technology a century ago. What would an old-fashioned iron works produce today? Modern machine shops, the current version of yesterday’s iron works, work with all types of metals. Computers and robots control much of the work, which involves drilling, cutting, punching, shaping and finishing using lathes, milling machines and more. One old-time shop that has made the transition is Simonsen Iron Works, established in 1906 and still going strong. The company, located in Spencer in the Lakes Corridor area of Iowa, is know...

Carlson joins Iowa Lakes Corridor as summer assistant

Tuesday, June 06, 2017

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Blake Carlson to its team this summer as office and events assistant. While with the Iowa Lakes Corridor, Carlson will assist staff with planning and managing events, including the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute in August and the organization’s presence at the Clay County Fair. “I am thrilled to join the team at the Corridor this summer and am looking forward to collaborating on all of the exciting projects happening here in the Iowa Great Lakes region.” Carlson said. “Growing up in the area, I have a passion for seeing local industry thrive an...

Outdoor life brings all-over fitness

Monday, June 05, 2017

Scientists repeatedly have proven that physical activity in the outdoors provides a host of benefits, from better sleep to stronger social ties, from reduced stress to higher self-esteem. That might explain the balanced quality of life in the Lakes Corridor area of Iowa. Choices for outdoor recreation are everywhere. Swimming, boating and fishing take pride of place in this region with so many lakes. In addition, Buena Vista County has hiking and biking. The Spencer Recreation Trail in Clay County is perfect for jogging and walking. People in Dickinson County can improve their game on six golf courses. Cross-country skiing keeps peopl...

Iowa Lakes Corridor hires Carlson as summer office assistant

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

That’s a B-I-G warehouse

Monday, May 29, 2017

Can you picture warehouse space that’s almost 2.3 acres in size? Vander Haags has over 100,000 square feet dedicated to its truck used parts. It’s a town of used parts. That’s the size of 9/10 the area of a city block in New York City. If it was a nightclub, you could fit in 6,600 people. It’s 1.5 the size of the White House and 1.75 the size of a football field. What does Vander Haag’s do with all this space? The trucking industry supplier, with a location in Spencer in the Iowa Lakes Corridor, started as a junk dealer in th...

Iowa Lakes Corridor receives $10,000 grant from Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation

Thursday, May 25, 2017

ESTHERVILLE, Iowa – The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation received a $10,000 grant to support the Iowa Lakes Corridor’s Five by Five Campaign and encourage its replication to other communities in Iowa. The grant was awarded through the Iowa Area Development Group Foundation’s (IADGCF) Partners in Progress program. IADGCF launched the Partners in Progress program in late 2016 to encourage successful programs, like the Iowa Lakes Corridor Five by Five Campaign, to be replicated in areas of Iowa that face similar challenges and have the desire and potential resources to use best practices to develop a similar program. On May 19, IAD...

IGL TeleConnect expands wireless service to Dickens and Terril

Monday, May 22, 2017

IGL TeleConnect, the area’s fastest growing internet service provider, has announced that it is now able to provide internet service in Dickens and Terril. The company is also expanding their footprint into Sioux Rapids with additional equipment and will erect another tower in Spencer to better serve the increasing demand in town. The company has been strengthening its position in the local market over the last couple of years using wireless technology. This technology has been especially beneficial in rural areas around Spencer and northwest Iowa where wired technology isn’t always feasible. Less than one year ago, the company had announce...

Racing with confidence

Monday, May 22, 2017

The only things that keep racing cars connected to the earth as they fly over the speedway are their wheels. The right set of wheels, aligned correctly, gives the driver reliable tire grip. The more surface area they have, the more stable the car. Racers whipping around tight curves rely on the manufacturers of these wheels. Aero Race Wheels, in Estherville in the Lakes Corridor area of Iowa, has been providing top-of-the-line wheels to the racing industry since 1995. The company is now the biggest premier steel racing wheel supplier in the field. Racing car drivers trust Aero because they have earne...

Less maintenance with a new home

Monday, May 15, 2017

In the market for a new home? You have a choice, new construction or a home with a history. An old Victorian might look charming, but for many families, a new home wins out hands down. Maintenance costs can be sky high with an older home, even one built mid-century. Whether doing your own labor or hiring someone, the cost can be heavy. With new construction, maintenance isn’t an issue. Everything is new! If it doesn’t work, get it fixed under warranty. With a newly built home, you also get the latest appliances with the highest energy efficiency ratings, and lowes...

Joy at Storm Lake

Monday, May 08, 2017

The Good Life means a balanced life. It’s the chance to relax with friends and family, enjoy hobbies and spend time in the outdoors. According to long-time residents of the Iowa Lakes Corridor area, Storm Lake is one of the best spots to achieve all that. The lake covers 3,200 acres, with a rolling shoreline and clear water with plenty of fish. Around the lake are camping areas, hiking and biking trails. The area, home to Buena Vista University, offers museums, Victorian homes, and galleries. There’s plenty of shopping, as well as late-night hotspots and eateries. Get more info here.

Spencer Chiropractic & Wellness Center Receives 2 awards at ICS Convention

Monday, May 08, 2017

On April 21-23, the Iowa Chiropractic Society held its annual convention in Des Moines. Spencer Chiropractic & Wellness Center was pleased to have two of their doctors receive awards. Dr. Lee Malmstrom received Outstanding District President (2016-17) and Dr. Elizabeth Kressin for Outstanding ICS Member (2016-17). The Iowa Chiropractic Society is the only statewide association in unifying and advancing chiropractic in Iowa. Since its founding in 1964, the Society has lead in advocating for the rights of chiropractic patients and doctors. Today, the Iowa Chiropractic Society continues its efforts to advocate on behalf of the profession and to ensure patient access to ...

Spencer travels back by going upstairs

Monday, May 08, 2017

Many in Spencer are familiar with the mainstay businesses of Spencer's downtown district. Despite being familiar with what occupies the ground floor, many people have never had the chance to see what sits above their favorite shops on Grand Avenue. To remedy this, Spencer Main Street and the Spencer Historic Preservation Commission held the "Main Street Upper Stories Tour" on Saturday, which included the areas above Jimmy John's, the former Thrifty White Drug, the former Carrick's Hallmark, Brown's Shoe Fit and the former Emagine Marketing offices. Tour guides included "Mr. Spencer" Bob Rose; chairpersons for the Historic Preservation Commission, Sheriff...

Iowa Lakes receives Green award

Sunday, May 07, 2017

Iowa Lakes Community College received word that it has been designated as a 2017 U.S. Department of Education Postsecondary Sustainability Awardee. Iowa Lakes is the only educational institution in the state of Iowa to receive this honor in 2017. "We are very honored to be named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Postsecondary Sustainability Awardee," said Valerie Newhouse, President of Iowa Lakes. She is proud of those who have worked to make the college environmentally green. "The environmental efforts woven throughout Iowa Lakes have indeed been a work in progress. Students, employees and the Board of Trustees have worked together to implemen...

Local women complete Women Managing Crops program

Sunday, May 07, 2017

ESTHERVILLE — Fourteen women successfully completed the four-week course, Women Managing Crops, offered this spring in Graettinger by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. This course was designed for women of all ages and experience levels who wanted to learn about key agronomic decisions for corn and soybean production. The sessions took a seasonal approach and covered decision making considerations for preplanting, the growing phase and harvest. At the end of the four-week course, participants stated they knew more about seed selection, spring and fall tillage practices, crop insurance, nutrient management, field scouting, cover crops, storage and drying, and harvesting practices. This progra...

3 of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses of 2017 serve the area

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Local nurses Ben Armstrong, Laura Manwarren and Brenda Tiefenthaler will be honored at a celebration in Des Moines on Sunday as three of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses for 2017. The 100 Great Iowa Nurses program identifies 100 outstanding nurses every year whose courage, competence, and commitment to patients and the nursing profession stand out above all others. These nurses go above and beyond to contribute significantly to the profession of nursing. “Spencer Hospital is fortunate to have exceptional nurses that contribute to the care of our patients in so many ways,” Spencer Hospital President and CEO Bill Bumgarner said. “It’s rewarding tha...

3 Spencer Iowa Hospital nurses honored among state's top 100

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Local nurses Ben Armstrong, Laura Manwarren and Brenda Tiefenthaler will be honored at a celebration in Des Moines on Sunday, May 7 as three of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses for 2017. The 100 Great Iowa Nurses program identifies 100 outstanding nurses every year whose courage, competence, and commitment to patients and the nursing profession stand out above all others. These nurses go above and beyond to contribute significantly to the profession of nursing. Through their induction into the 100 Great Nurses, Armstrong, Manwarren and Tiefenthaler join several other Spencer Hospital nurses who have been selected for the honor previously: Marcia Larson – 2006 Lind...

Ambassadors help cut ribbon, celebrate anniversaries

Thursday, May 04, 2017

A combined Spencer Chamber Business Before Hours in The Merrill Company offices hosted by The Arnold Motor Company and Midstates Builders celebrated the collaboration between the entities resulting in the expansion of the new administrative offices for The Merrill Company and warehousing facilities for The Arnold Motor Company which Midstates Builders facilitated. The well-attended event also commemorated the 90th anniversary of The Arnold Motor Supply and 70th anniversary of Midstates Builders. Refreshments were served and following the ribbon cutting in the new warehouse, tours were offered of the facility expansion. View a photo of the ribbon cutting in original article.

Iowa Central Community College course will help you keep customers happy

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Provide your staff skills on how to impress customers with memorable service at a Keeping your Customers at Home Customer Service Short Course to be held Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 8-10AM from June 6th - June 29th at the Iowa Central Community College Storm Lake Center Room 10. There is no cost for the short course and the course is limited to 18 participants. The customer service short course is sponsored by Iowa WORKS & Iowa Central Community College. Keeping your customers happy is one of the most important parts of running any organization. However, sometimes your employees may not hav...

Spencer a 'best small town to visit'

Thursday, May 04, 2017

The city of Spencer was recently featured as one of 20 "Best Small Towns to Visit" on Smithsonian.com for its sixth annual list showcasing exciting places to travel each year. Smithsonian.com partnered with Esri — a geographical information company — "to identify tiny towns chock full of local culture, history and natural beauty. We then narrowed down our list to pinpoint the destinations that are especially worth making the trip to this year." Smithsonian.com suggested that potential visitors to Spencer "check out its buzzing Main Street full of rich history and beautiful art deco commercial buildings," and to "Be sure t...

IOWA IS THE EASIEST STATE TO BUY RENEWABLE ENERGY

Wednesday, May 03, 2017

The state of Iowa is the easiest location for companies to purchase renewable energy, according to a new article in Chief Executive. The magazine writes: Iowa leads in this category because of the state’s large amount of renewable generation—more than 35% of the state’s overall electricity generation is from wind. This allows Iowa’s utilities to meet renewable energy demands from customers that utilities in other states would be unable to fulfill. Read the full article here, “How Google, Facebook and other Energy-Intensive Companies are Purchasing Renewable Energy.” To learn more about Iowa’s leading wind energy portfolio, visit iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/wind. Continue to original article.

Hometown fun

Monday, May 01, 2017

Do you love small town fairs? Does the thought of sack races, smores, music in the town center and a parade turn you giddy with delight? They are not a thing of the past. In fact, festivals are thriving in small towns across the country. In the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the Estherville Sweet Corn Days is justly famous. It’s rare you get a chance to run around with a flaming corncob. The weekend long event starts with the running of the corn torches, Olympic style. The highlight is the Run for the Cob, with a choice of a 5k, 10...

Ready, Set Grow! Learning Center Awarded Funds from Alceco

Thursday, April 27, 2017

ALBERT CITY, IOWA - The Ready, Set, Grow! Learning Center in Alta was recently awarded matching grants from Alceco, a farmer-owned cooperative, and the Land O’ Lakes Foundation. The organization was awarded a total of $1,000, which will be used toward the purchase of childcare equipment and items for the newly-opened center. The learning center opened in September 2016, and serves the children and families of Buena Vista County. Albert City Elevator, A Cooperative (Alceco), dates back to 1925. The original Farmers Elevator Company was created as a stock company in 1905 and reorganized as a cooperative 20 years later. Today, Alceco continue...

BRANSTAD, REYNOLDS KICK OFF YEAR OF MANUFACTURING TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH OF MANUFACTURING IN IOWA

Monday, April 24, 2017

Branstad, Reynolds kick off Year of Manufacturing to encourage growth of manufacturing in Iowa. Administration sets goal of increasing manufacturing GDP $3 billion in 5 years. DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds formally kicked-off the “Year of Manufacturing.” Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds were joined by Dr. Maureen Lockwood, Manufacturing Manager at Thombert Inc., and Ms. Lori Schaefer-Weaton, President at Agri-Industrial Plastics Company and current board chair of the Association of Business and Industry. Governor Branstad announced the establishment of this initiative during his Condition of the State Address in January in recognition of the importance o...

Faster is better online

Monday, April 24, 2017

Just about every commercial enterprise today relies on communication via the internet. The faster businesses can upload and download, surf and research, the more competitive they are. How fast is fast? If your company needs to download a HD documentary outlining new techniques, typical broadband could do the job in about 9 hours. High-capacity broadband can do the job in 20 minutes. That type of saving in time translates to hefty savings of money. That’s why business people in each of the business parks supported by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation were so happy to get the new high-capacity broadband, whic...

Iowa’s Governor Officially Launches ‘Year of Manufacturing’ Initiative

Monday, April 24, 2017

Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and a host of other Iowa governmental and business leaders have unveiled a plan to boost Iowa factories during a “Year of Manufacturing.” The Year of Manufacturing initiative, which was announced in January during Branstad’s Condition of the State address, is designed to be a 12-month, concentrated focus on improving Iowa’s manufacturing Gross Domestic Product. Led by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and CIRAS, business leaders plan to fan out across the state to visit with companies and make certain that each firm is awar...

AS H.S. GRADUATION RATES RISE, IOWA FOCUSES ON STEM, POST-SECONDARY

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Iowa public high school graduation rates – already the highest in the country – are up for the fifth year in a row. It’s a testament to the quality of our students, the hard work of Iowa teachers and administrators, and our communities. Our educators are also making strides in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and preparing our students for post-secondary education. Iowa’s employers have asked for an increased focus on STEM, and our schools are responding. Programs like the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council are yielding results – the number of Iowa high school students who took science...

Heartland Kennels under new ownership

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Heartland Kennels, located approximately 3 miles west of Fostoria at 1840 280th St., changed ownership March 10. Previous owners Tom and Susan Herrick have sold the property and business to Eric and Miranda Shannon. "We started this place 23 years ago," Susan Herrick said. "We do boarding, training and grooming. We have done it forever, it is time for us to move on and move to Arizona now. Time to turn the reins over." The change in ownership will be accompanied by a few other changes. The new owners will be expanding dog training classes and sporting events; increasing grooming — including a...

Not enough people?

Monday, April 17, 2017

There’s a general feeling that the U.S. is overcrowded. The population is over 324 million, with 81 percent living in cities and suburbs. That is, unless you live in parts of the rural Midwest, where the population has been declining over the last 50 or more years. Though these areas are less crowded, they have problems too. Fewer people mean not enough skilled workers to keep the economy growing. That’s the reason behind Iowa Lakes Corridor 5x5 Campaign, with a goal of increasing the population in the region by 5 percent over 5 years, 2017 to 2021. Led by the Iowa Lake...

Methodist Manor progressing with new addition

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A few weeks of unexpectedly favorable winter weather has pushed the massive Methodist Manor addition forward. From February into early March, work has been completed that had not been anticipated until later in the spring. Currently, the third of five sequences of structural steel is being set. The fourth sequence is slated to be delivered in mid-April and the final sequence (connecting the new and existing buildings) is expected in early May. “Woodruff Construction has been an outstanding organization to work with. They recognized an opportunity to get some early work accomplished and seized it,” Methodist Manor CEO Nick Landgraf said. “Ther...

BVU to host entrepreneurship networking panel

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Buena Vista University will be hosting an “Entrepreneurial Keys to Success” networking panel for local entrepreneurs and professionals to gather and learn more about what it takes to be a successful business owner. The free event will take place on Saturday, April 22 in the Harold Walter Siebens Forum at 10am. The event is aimed at promoting local entrepreneurial relationships between the community and Buena Vista University. Research indicates owning and managing a business in rural Iowa has very different challenges when compared to urban businesses. Business growth in rural areas, such as northwest Iowa, has diminished and some areas ar...

NEWS RELEASE: MAIN STREET IOWA AWARDS CELEBRATION HONORS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

Monday, April 10, 2017

For more information, contact: Tina Hoffman 515.725.3150 communications@iowaeda.com Main Street Iowa Awards Celebration Honors Outstanding Achievements Award Winning Projects, Entrepreneurs and Volunteers Honored Main Street Iowa hosted the 31st annual Main Street Iowa Awards Celebration on at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. The program honored the efforts of those who work day in and day out in downtown revitalization in Iowa. The event was attended by approximately 550 individuals representing communities across the state. Main Street Iowa has annually presented awards honoring outstanding accomplishments, activities and people that are making a difference in Iowa’s Main Street districts. Projects large and small are recognized and serv...

Rent to a vet

Monday, April 10, 2017

Affordable housing is a challenge for many Americans. When you’re one of the 30 percent of young vets, from 18 to 24, who don’t have a job, finding a place to live is a daily struggle. And those that are employed often juggle where to put their paychecks: into food, housing or other basics. A mortgage is way outside their current capacity. Just coming up with the rent is a constant trial. That’s why the Home Base Iowa Initiative, with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, is working to attract vets to the area. Both Emmet and Clay counties are actively seekin...

Continuity of care

Thursday, April 06, 2017

Longhouse-Northshire administrator celebrates staff longevity Tim Christy, administrator of Longhouse-Northshire, has been with the residential care facility for 27 years, and unlike many people who supervise staff, the turnover numbers at his facility have been well balanced by several longtime staffers who continue to provide a continuity of care that is invaluable. As March came to a close, Christy could point to seven members of his team, who combined, provide 266 years of experience. “... A seasoned employee truly understands the customers and professionally responds from years of best experiences that shows every day,” Christy said. Continue to full article.

Alliant Energy acquires rights to $500M wind farm

Wednesday, April 05, 2017

Alliant Engery and Apex Clean Energy are working together on a Clay and Dickinson County wind farm large enough to power about 100,000 homes in Iowa. More than 100 turbines will be going up as part of the proposed Upland Prairie project. The 300-megawatt farm's footprint will run mostly north and south from west of Milford in Dickinson County to north of Royal in Clay County, according to Ben Lipari, director of Alliant Energy's resource planning and project development department. The Upland Prairie wind farm does not go into O'Brien or Osceola County. The tentative eastern edge of the project is abou...

Dakota Pack breaks ground on expansion

Tuesday, April 04, 2017

Dakota Pack of Estherville held a groundbreaking ceremony for its expansion, which will double the capacity of their cull hog processing facility. The ceremony included comments by President and CEO Duane Anderson, as well as congratulations from Mayor Kenny Billings and Economic Development Director Lyle Hevern, and a blessing from Pastor Cole McCormick of Trinity Lutheran Church. Alyssa Hammerschmidt, director of Marketing and Communications at Farmers Union Industries, was also present with opening and closing remarks. Full article.

Where are the best and worst states to retire?

Tuesday, April 04, 2017

Many of us long for a retirement that will feel like going on a permanent vacation. But before we buy that beach bungalow, box up our stuff and break out the Costco-sized wine spritzers, a reality check may be in order. Bankrate’s latest ranking of the best and worst states to retire finds the fun-in-the-sun places often associated with retirement may have drawbacks as we face aging issues and our savings dwindle. Retiree meccas like Florida and Arizona don’t come close to cracking our top 10. Our top pick, New Hampshire, probably won’t be the best place to work on your tan, but it will provide many of th...

Estherville is fourth most affordable city in Iowa, study says

Monday, April 03, 2017

For the third year in a row, the financial technology company SmartAsset has ranked the most affordable places to live in Iowa. The communities are ranked on an Affordability Index weighing property taxes, homeowners' insurance fees, and mortgage payments relative to income. Oelwein, Cherokee, and Fort Madison took up the top three spots, and Estherville came in at the number four spot, sliding past fifth-ranked Iowa Falls by 0.15 of a point. Clarinda, Algona, Ottumwa, Marshalltown, and Keokuk round out the top ten in the study. Continue to full article.

Water and the brain

Monday, April 03, 2017

Humans have a love affair with bodies of water. Neuroscientists report that time near a body of water, whether a lake, river or the ocean, makes people 5.2 percent happier. That could be why people around Okoboji, in the Lakes Corridor region, smile so much. Called the Great Lakes of Iowa, this area boasts the state’s largest lake, Spirit Lake. Five other lakes in the area are all connected, including Upper Gar, Lower Gar, East Okoboji, West Okoboji and Minnewashta. Water sports include swimming, water skiing, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking and wakeboarding. That’s just the start. Enjoy golf, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, cross-countr...

‘The Journey to Your Vision’ seminar May 11

Monday, April 03, 2017

Sandy Ehrig, economic development administrator for the Iowa Farm Bureau, will be co-hosting “The Journey to Your Vision” seminar in Storm Lake May 11. This event will be held at Prairie Lakes Arrowhead Education Building, just west of Dairy Queen. Every business faces peaks and valleys as they progress through stages of growth. Do you know what stage your business is in and how you can reach the next level? Attend this valuable one-day seminar to help stack the odds in your favor by understanding the stages of business growth, their unique challenges, and methods to overcome them. Full article to learn ho...

Latin American Cafe delivers diverse dining

Friday, March 31, 2017

The space at 710 Central Ave. in Estherville has had a few issues with past owners opening or staying open. This time, the grill is sizzling, the oven baking, and the service is friendly with manager Oliver Mejia wrangling the front of house. A multi-page menu describes Mexican offerings from tacos to fried ice cream, with a long list of lunch specials. Choripollo is a specialty with grilled chicken and chorizo, a type of pork sausage in Latin cultures, prepared in a method used since Roman times. It's made in the western hemisphere with native chili peppers and a splash of whit...

And Crossroads makes 100

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Crossroads Convenience Store, located at the South T intersection in Spencer, became the 100th E15 station in the state of Iowa Wednesday. Crossroads is owned by Wessels Oil Company based in Palmer. (Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) IRFA celebrating milestone E15 refueling site opening Wednesday, Crossroads Convenience Store, located at the South T in Spencer, became Iowa’s 100th E15 station, strengthening Iowa’s position as the number one state in the U.S. for E15 refueling sites. The Spencer store, owned by Wessels Oil Company based in Palmer, has been in business since 1938 and currently owns and operates six convenience stores in northern Iowa...

Phelps opens new dental location

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Dr. Bill Phelps moved his dental practice from its previous location in the 200 block of East Fifth Street to a new location at 110 W. Fourth St. Phelps is pictured with dental assistant Ashley Salberg. (Photo by Colin Van Westen) Dr. Bill Phelps moved to a new location on 110 W. Fourth St. after 23 years at his previous location. The change of venue, which took place Jan. 30, came in response to a request from Seasons Center for increased space at its central location. The new location also offers benefits to Phelps. "We already had the new materials. This offers a centra...

Best and Worst States for Millennials 2017

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Each generation is different, and is shaped to a large extent by its circumstances. For members of the millennial generation, those circumstances are a mixed bag of persistent economic problems and unprecedented access to information technology. The way these differences may be shaping the millennial generation's priorities can be seen in some demographic information. For example, North Dakota these days has a proportionately larger young adult population than New York or California. Trends like that may seem surprising, but only if you are judging millennials by traditional standards. A generation raised to be fluent in accessing and using information may wel...

Spencer a finalist for 'Technology Community of the Year'

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Spencer has been revealed as a 2017 Prometheus Awards finalist for Iowa's Technology Community of the Year. The LWBJ Prometheus awards have been recognizing excellence in Iowa's technology industry for 12 years. "The city is extremely excited about being nominated as one of the communities for Technology Community of the Year Award. We have some amazing things going on in Spencer in this area. StartupCity Spencer along with IGL, TechKnow and the city's library are just a few of the groups working to promote and grow technology in Spencer," Spencer City Manager Bob Fagen said. "The city is also blessed wit...

THE CORK'S BEEN POPPED... WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOUR CITY?

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

You’ve popped the cork. The champagne has been poured into the glasses of all the citizens as you collectively celebrate the emergence of your city from the ashes. With every new coffee shop, restaurant and retail space, you marvel at the newfound vibrancy of your home that you were afraid to call home for so long. It’s a battle cry, and it becomes a part of you, as you walk the streets again, enjoying the fruits of your grassroots pro-local movement. All this is necessary and good. Momentum is launched with positivity as its steady rocket, boosting your city to ne...

Need it done? Hire a vet.

Monday, March 27, 2017

People who have been in the military accomplish the tasks they are given. That’s the most outstanding benefit companies notice when they hire a vet. These are people who have been thoroughly trained in a “get it done” culture. In the military, the vets are taking on responsibility at ages 19, 20 and 21 and immediately start developing leadership skills. Because there are serious repercussions from their decisions, they learn to take their responsibilities seriously. Have you hired a vet? How has it benefited your company? Contact the Home Base Iowa program, in coordination with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, an...

CREATING SOME BUZZ: Nature Center plans $1.7 million 'Pollinator Paradise'

Friday, March 24, 2017

"We are losing our pollinators at an alarming rate. It is an international problem," Dickinson County Conservation Board Executive Director Lee Sorenson said. Photo submitted Butterflies, bees of all kinds, hummingbirds, moths and ants are all pollinators, affecting the entire food source on planet earth. "We are losing our pollinators at an alarming rate," Dickinson County Conservation Board Executive Director Lee Sorenson, said. "It is an international problem with a 58 percent decline in the honeybee population in the past 59 years and a 90 percent decline in monarch butterflies in the last 20 years alone." The Dickinson County Conservation Foundation is going t...

Carnegie Library facelift underway

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Construction work continues at the historic Carnegie Library along Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake. Spenser's Underground Ministries officials hope to complete the current phase of work by late April. Photo by Russ Mitchell A festive fundraiser Saturday night launched the campaign to preserve the historic Carnegie Library in downtown Spirit Lake. The demolition phase of the project is underway on the front of the structure at the corner of Hill Avenue and Highway 9. Spearheading the project and fund drive is Dr. Steven Baskerville. "We need to raise about $50,000 to redo the front entrance," he said. "We had to remove the old cemen...

CNBC SAYS IOWA IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN THE U.S.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Iowa’s healthy living environment, population health and low crime rate make it one of the best states to live in, according to CNBC’s 2016 Best States for Business report. Also contributing to Iowans’ high quality of life are our low housing costs, short commutes, safe neighborhoods and quality schools. Our cities have vibrant arts, music and restaurant scenes, and our rural areas have natural beauty and outdoor recreation. To hear more about Iowa’s amenities, visit our quality of life page. Beyond quality of life, Iowa also offers businesses a top 6 workforce, low cost of business and extensive transportation infrastructure.

Community, pizza go hand-in-hand for 30 years

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

When Terry Veldman first found his spot near an oven, there were only 10 eateries in the region that had a "Pizza Ranch" sign over the door. Now the popular franchise has 200 locations in 13 states. The company stresses community involvement and the philosophy is a natural fit for its general manager in the Iowa Great Lakes. "We try to help out as much as we can," he said. "It goes both ways. They support us and we support them as a community. That’s how we all grow." Continue reading.

NEW REPORT: CREATING A PIPELINE OF SKILLED WORKERS IN IOWA

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

The number of Iowa high school students who took science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related Advanced Placement (AP) tests increased 22 percent from 2012 to 2015. That’s one of several promising stats for Iowa businesses from the newly released 2015-2016 Iowa STEM Evaluation Report. In addition to that increase, here are some more positive findings for Iowa businesses: Since 2011-2012, the number of Iowa teachers with at least one STEM-related teaching endorsement has increased 21 percent. From 2009-2010 to 2010-2011, the number of Iowa students enrolled in high school engineering courses increased by 20 percent and since 2011-2012, that number has increased b...

Independent, hard workers available

Monday, March 20, 2017

In the next five years, will your business need a stream of resourceful workers, used to daily hard work? Do you want employees who give and take honest feedback? Would you like a workforce that the government is paying to educate? In the next five years, a large number of vets will be leaving the service. This influx represents a huge resource for Iowa businesses looking for quality employees. Joining the Home Base Iowa Initiative is an effective way for local companies in the Iowa Lakes Corridor area to reach these vets. It will help increase jobs in the region, reduce th...

Lake Animal Hospital — more than just a vet clinic

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Lake Animal Hospital is not just a vets office but a safe haven for animals in need. Whether it be for routine care or emergency care, vets Dr. Dianne Johnson, DVM and Dr. Chris Bean, DVM are there to help our furry little friends. Dr. Dianne Johnson has years of experience as a veterinarian. She grew up on a farm with a love of animals. She attended Buena Vista University before going to Ames to complete her vet training. She worked at a vet clinic near Sloan for 8 years. She then took a position in 1998 at the Lake Anima...

REPORT: IOWA HAS THE MOST RELIABLE ELECTRICAL GRID

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Not only does Iowa generate more electricity from wind than any other U.S. state, it also has the most reliable electrical grid of any state, according to U.S. News and World Report. This reliability is why companies like Google, Facebook and Microsoft have chosen Iowa for their data centers. Check out this graph from U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 “Best States” rankings Iowa's favorable ranking in terms of power outage per year vs. the U.S. average.

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT NAMES IOWA #6 BEST STATE

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

February 28, 2017 (DES MOINES) –Today, U.S. News & World Report released their 2017 “Best States” ranking and ranked Iowa as the 6th “Best State” in the country. “Best States” is a unique rankings and news analysis platform designed to inform citizens, business leaders and policymakers alike about what’s working and what needs improvement across the country. The site includes rankings that measure the 50 states overall and across seven different categories: education, health care, government, infrastructure, economy, opportunity and crime & corrections. The rankings are derived from 68 metrics and tens of thousands of data points. To continue reading, click here.

Look homeward

Monday, March 13, 2017

Making the transition from military back to civilian life can be tough. According to a survey by Pew Research, more than one-quarter of vets say re-entry was difficult. We tend to think life as a civilian must be a cinch after time in the military. But many vets are suffering, especially those who were stationed in a combat zone, were injured themselves or know someone who was injured or killed. That’s one reason for Home Base Iowa, a program that aims to help vets find good jobs, explore new careers and transition to life in the state. The initiative, in conjunction wit...

Spencer Hospital remains a leader among rural and community hospitals

Monday, March 13, 2017

Spencer Hospital has again been named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States, earning the award for the second consecutive year. The nation’s top hospitals are recognized annually by iVantage Health Analytics, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare analytics. “Each day our medical staff and healthcare team strive to provide excellent care for our patients and to do so with skill and empathy,” commented Bill Bumgarner, Spencer Hospital president. “It’s rewarding for everyone when that commitment and effort results in being recognized among the top 100 community hospitals in the nation.” To identify top performing hospitals...

Art connects

Monday, March 06, 2017

Gallup and the Knight Foundation researched how residents feel about art in a community. Surprisingly, they discovered it is one of the top 5 magnets that attract people to an area, rated far above jobs and safety. In Iowa’s Lakes Corridor, art is a central part of the social fabric. The Okoboji Summer Theatre and several community theaters are thriving. The Artists Road Trip brings the work of local artists into the community. ArtsLIVE is working to slowly but surely make the Lakes Corridor a destination year round for people interested in all areas of the arts. (More info here: http://ow.ly/T9Bi303Fuk6.) O...

Iowa ranked No. 6 best state by U.S. News & World Report

Thursday, March 02, 2017

Top-10 rankings in health care, education, opportunity and government led U.S. News & World Report to rank Iowa the No. 6 best state in the country. Iowa is No. 5 in healthcare, No. 6 in opportunity, No. 8 in education and No. 10 in government, according to the rankings. Iowa's healthcare rating was boosted by being the top-ranked state in health care affordability and No. 5 in health insurance enrollment. Affordability contributed to the state's high opportunity ranking. Iowa is No. 3 in housing affordability and No. 12 in cost of living. Iowa also is No. 6 in low food insecurity and No. 6 i...

Spencer a finalist for statewide Technology Community of the Year Award

Thursday, March 02, 2017

Spencer is a finalist for the Technology Community of the Year Prometheus Award, the Technology Association of Iowa and LWBJ announced. The Prometheus Awards have recognized innovation in Iowa’s technology industry for 12 years. “The Prometheus Awards is the most prestigious recognition for Iowa’s technology industry and brings together leaders from the tech community to celebrate the year’s most momentous innovations,” stated Brian Waller, President of the Technology Association of Iowa, in a press release. “These awards showcase the great talent and companies in Iowa and further solidify Iowa’s reputation as a tech state.” Spencer Municipal Utilities General Manager and CEO, Steve Pick, said Spence...

Affordable housing and a better life

Monday, February 27, 2017

A social policy think tank, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, reports that affordable housing is directly linked to less crime, more stable families and better prospects for children’s futures. That’s one of the reasons the Iowa Lakes Corridor gets high marks for quality of life. Houses range from $78,600 to $153,000, while in the country as a whole, the 2010 median value was $187,500. The cost of living is also low, slightly above the national average for small towns. Other positive factors include the number of schools, availability of healthcare and wide selection of outdoor recreation opportunities. Here i...

Jumping into icy water as a quality-of-life issue

Monday, February 20, 2017

For those in the know, the joys of the Polar Plunge are many. The event, started by a bored Canadian in 1920, provides excuses for mid-winter chili cook offs and other types of riotous living. Not to be outdone, the Iowa Lakes Corridor is home to the University of Okoboji Winter Games, going strong since 1981. The Plunge is on the State Pier at Arnolds Park on West Lake Okoboji. No complaining is allowed. In addition, games feature a chili cook off, flag football, a bag tournament, broomball, softball, fireworks, the Chocolate Classic and the Burning of the Greens. Check the picture...

Area nursing home employee enjoys quality of life found in northwest Iowa

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Northwest Iowa has a way of calling people home. Meet Melody – a perfect example. “Northwest Iowa is a great place to call home,” says Melody, who moved to the Albert City area in 2015. She works at Pleasant View Home, a skilled nursing home facility and independent living apartments in Albert City managed by Hawkeye Care Centers of Iowa. An original Nevada, Iowa native, she moved to Florida at 18 years of age. After 32 years of being away from her family, she made the move back to Iowa – Albert City specifically – to be closer to her family. “It is so nic...

The perfect houseguest stays at a hotel

Monday, February 13, 2017

Want to stay friends with visitors? Put them up at a hotel. If necessary, invent a plumbing problem. So say experts in the fine art of enjoying out-of-towners. The nicer the hotel, the easier this is to do. In fact, the homeowners might want to join guests to get their own release from housework for a few days. In the Lakes Corridor region, there are numerous choices. For example, Bridges Bay at Okoboji has an indoor waterpark, a waterfront grill and bar and an event center. (More info here: http://ow.ly/2WZQ303FlVF.) Okoboji Commons at West Okoboji Lake is close to the Brooks Gol...

Student Internship Program accepting Clay County employer applications

Tuesday, February 07, 2017

Clay County for-profit employers are urged to take advantage of the Spencer Area Jobs Trust's Student Internship Program once again this year. The program, in its eighth year, is a way of connecting talented college students with existing employers in Clay County. Students receive significant learning experience, while the employers are able to further recruit skilled workers. Applications for both summer and semester internships are now being accepted until April 14. Applications selected by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Board will be awarded match funds for intern wages. For more information, please contact Joanne Follon at the Iowa Lakes Corridor by email o...

Music on the brain

Monday, February 06, 2017

Neuroscientists say people who listen to music work smarter. Employees are more productive and in a better mood. That’s not all. Music stimulates an increase in dopamine, which is also the source of a runner’s high. To think, you can get it without the sweat! Music also stimulates the production of oxytocin, which helps us as humans to bond and trust. Maybe that’s why the Okoboji Summer Concert Series at Arnolds Park is so popular every year. The lineup changes annually, encompassing big band music, folk, rock, jazz, blues, jam and national artists. For a look at past summer concerts, check ou...

Iowa Lakes Community College wind turbine technician program featured on NPR

Friday, February 03, 2017

Wind turbine technician is the country's fastest-growing job and the Iowa Lakes Corridor is home to one of the leading educators in the field. Iowa Lakes Community College has one of the largest wind turbine technician programs in the country. The Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program provides hands-on, real-life experiences in preparing students to become leaders in the career sector. The experts in wind turbine technology at Iowa Lakes drew the attention of National Public Radio's Here & Now program, who recently interviewed Daniel Lutat, Iowa Lakes Director of Sustainable Energy Resources and Technologies, about the rapidly growing field. Listen to the story here or belo...

Places to learn = places to earn

Monday, January 30, 2017

It’s the magic circle that keeps economies booming: areas with higher education available attract students who learn in-demand skills. Companies hire these grads, whose training make for a proficient, up-to-date workforce that helps businesses grow and prosper. The Lakes Corridor region is part of this charmed circle. It is home to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. The 125-year-old institution offers a full liberal arts and science curriculum, from computer science to pharmacy and data science to human performance. (See more: http://ow.ly/2WpZ303FkOM.) Iowa Lakes Community College, with campuses in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake, has programs in technology, engineering, math...

Winter wonderland fun at the University of Okoboji Winter Games

Monday, January 30, 2017

[View the story "Winter wonderland fun at the University of Okoboji Winter Games" on Storify]

Area Development site selection factors and Iowa: Available buildings, Construction costs, Quality of life

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Site selection and economic development publication Area Development recently published a series of articles on the top 10 site selection factors. Here’s how Iowa stacks up on factors five through one. Click here for the compete article.

Get a charge out of this: Iowa Energy Plan calls for workforce development, continued cheap power

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds rolled out Iowa's new energy plan this morning, more than 100 pages of strategizing that is all about cheap power, renewable fuels, alternative-fuel; vehicles and workforce development. Reynolds, a Republican who led the effort to create the new energy plan, made it clear that the goal is to build on an Iowa energy mix -- big on wind power and natural gas and backing away from coal -- that has been good for business and easier on the environment. As dozens looked on in the Capitol rotunda, Reynolds -- who will become governor when Gov. Terry Branstad becomes U.S. ambassado...

Iowa's population grows 2.9 percent

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Iowa’s population has grown by more than 87,824 since 2010, according to new estimates provided to the State Data Center from the U.S. Census Bureau. The 2016 estimated population of the state is 3,134,693 people. “Iowa’s population continues it’s slow and steady growth that we have seen for the past few decades,” Gary Krob, coordinator of the State Data Center said. Click here for the complete article.

Master Gardeners webinars will take aim on hunger issues in Iowa

Sunday, January 29, 2017

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will host a winter webinar series in 2016. Master Gardeners will gain educational hours while learning the realities of hunger in Iowa, the best way to work with food banks, food safety and more. Two-hour webinars are scheduled at the ISU Extension and Outreach Buena Vista County office January 9, February 13 and March 13, 2017. Workshops will be hosted at both 1:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 pm to accommodate different schedules, are free to attend, and are open to anyone interested regardless of Master Gardener status. Click here fo...

Seasons Center CEO appointed to state advisory committee

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Kim Scorza,president and CEO for Seasons Center for Behavioral Health, has been appointed to Iowa’s Child Abuse Prevention Program Advisory Committee by the Iowa Council on Human Services. The term of office began Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2019. “I am privileged to be appointed as a member of this committee to promote and expand child abuse prevention efforts across Iowa,” Scorza said. “This committee will provide recommendations to the Iowa Department of Human Services on policies and programs related to the prevention of child maltreatment.” Click here for the complete article.

Spirit Lake Library to undergo renovations

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Some friends from the past are making changes for the future at the Spirit Lake Public Library. Library Director Cindy Davis on Friday announced that bequests from two estates will make a renovation possible in Spirit Lake. Construction will begin at the start of the year. Click here for the complete article.

UDMO food pantry major undertaking

Sunday, January 29, 2017

This is the second in our series The Good You Can Do, a report on volunteer opportunities in Emmet County, leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Jan. 16. If your organization has opportunities for volunteers to get involved, please contact us. Last Spring, the Estherville News highlighted Lois Creech and Paulette Graff, who volunteer in the food pantry of Upper Des Moines Opportunity. "These are two very consistent volunteers at Upper Des ?Moines in Estherville,"?Alisa Schlief, FaDSS Coordinator for UDMO?in Fort Dodge, said. Click here for the complete article.

USDA rural development invests $622 million in rural Iowa in 2016

Sunday, January 29, 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development mission area invested $622 million into rural Iowa in 2016 providing housing opportunities for thousands of rural Iowans while also supporting a wide variety of job-creation and community-improvement projects and activities. “Our focus is on the viability of rural communities and areas which are so important to our state and nation,” said Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa. “USDA Rural Development funding continues to have a dramatic impact all across Iowa. Since 2009, we have invested nearly $5 billion on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewe...

Incentives = more businesses

Monday, January 23, 2017

You hear how corporations want to be in major urban areas, And it’s true that far more companies start in or move to population centers because of perceived advantages. But rural parts of the Midwest like the Iowa Lakes Corridor region are using tax and loan incentives and workforce training to reverse the trend. Companies are strongly attracted by the area’s property tax exemptions and tax-increment financing. A wide range of loans is available, including interest-free, low-interest and forgivable. The incentives are a collaborative effort of counties, towns, utilities and other organizations. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has a list o...

City of Marathon working with area renewable energy company on proposed solar project

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

On Jan. 10, the Marathon City Council voted to continue exploring the development of a solar project on city-owned ground. At Tuesday’s council meeting, Trusted Energy of Spencer, Iowa, delivered the results of their findings, which indicated that the City of Marathon could save citizens a minimum of $2 million dollars in electric costs over the next 20 years through the installation of a 1.42MW solar project. The vote Tuesday does not commit the city to the project, but it does start the exploratory process. Trusted Energy has started the contract portion of the project, which includes the negotiation of the Power Purchas...

The joys of retirement?

Monday, January 16, 2017

The joys of retirement are widely touted, especially by people getting close to that magic age. But according to recent studies, more than 3/4 of U.S. workers are taking on some type of job after leaving their full-time career. It’s a boon to companies in search of skilled, experienced workers. Good news for employers in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region: more than 1/4 of all the area’s retired workers surveyed said they were willing to re-enter the job market. In addition to these retirees, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation reports a particularly diverse and experienced workforce in the area. More tha...

Your ‘Pop’ was an entrepreneur!

Monday, January 09, 2017

Risk taking and starting a business runs in families. Right? Actually, new entrepreneurs are more likely to be the first in their family to launch. New or from a long line, entrepreneurs bring new business that helps the local economy. It is a big plus for the region when companies take hold and prosper. That’s why the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation offers a wide range of entrepreneur resources. It starts with help to target the right customer base, evaluating opportunities and coming up with a workable plan for growth. As the startup matures, it can get mentoring, help with goals an...

Spencer Hospital seeks applicants for health care scholarships and loan programs

Friday, January 06, 2017

Spencer Hospital is currently accepting applications for the Bennie B. and Ernestine F. Shine Scholarship, Adam J. Anderson Scholarship, as well as the Cornwall Loan Program. All programs are designed to help area students pursue health care careers. The Shine Scholarship Fund, administered by Spencer Hospital, annually awards funds to persons who have completed at least one semester of a nursing or allied health program, such as radiology, therapy programs (respiratory care, speech, physical or occupational), medical technology, laboratory tech, paramedic training, pharmacy, etc. These programs are not intended to fund individuals pursuing a degree in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant or veterinar...

Iowa Student Internship Program Funding Available for Summer 2017

Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Funding from the Iowa Student Internship Program for summer 2017 internships is now available. Eligible Iowa employers in advanced manufacturing, IT or bioscience industries with 500 or fewer employees are encouraged to look into the program. The Iowa Student Internship Program helps support internship programs at small- and medium-sized businesses in those industries by providing funds for internships with a goal of transitioning interns to full-time employment. For more information about the program, application deadlines and eligibility requirements, visit the Iowa Economic Development Authority website.

Kids with nothing to lose?

Monday, January 02, 2017

Do you need to be a young college kid taking a flyer on a promising idea to qualify as an entrepreneur? Most of us think of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Wrong! The average entrepreneur, man or woman, who puts together a startup is 40. More than 45 percent have advanced degrees. Almost 70 percent are married, and about 60 percent have at least one child. The Iowa Lakes Corridor is tapping into the longing of people of many ages who want to start their own business. The Prepare to Launch program, held each spring, gives people with a drea...

Get Lean: Attend Siouxland Regional Lean Conference to learn Lean business culture, strategy

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Still searching for a good New Year's resolution? Siouxland Lean Consortium has one for you: Learn how to make or keep your business Lean by attending the fourth annual Regional Lean Conference on Jan. 17, 2017 at Western Iowa Tech Corporate College in Sioux City, Iowa. Early Bird Ticket Pricing Ends Soon There's only a week left to get early bird ticket pricing of $125. The early bird price ends Jan. 4 - so don't wait! About Siouxland Lean Consortium and the Annual Regional Lean Conference The Siouxland Lean Consortium strives to bring prosperity to the Northwest Iowa and Tri-State regionby strengthening our employment base throug...

Spencer Hospital Adds 3D Mammography Technology

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Spencer Hospital has added three-dimensional mammography technology to its array of diagnostic imaging services for enhanced patient care. Three-dimensional (3D) mammography combines traditional mammography with advanced breast tomosynthesis technology. 3D mammography still requires breast compression, yet during an exam, an X-ray arm also sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. “The hospital and its radiologists are excited to offer 3D mammography to our patients,” said Mary Brosnahan, Spencer Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging director. ...

From unemployable to entrepreneur

Monday, December 26, 2016

Is it true that entrepreneurs are just people who couldn’t get jobs, so they had to start their own companies? That’s actually true for Soichiro Honda, who founded Honda Motor Company. He couldn’t get a job with Toyota. And the rest is history. The Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute is helping students from Iowa colleges start businesses. Located at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake Okoboji, the annual gathering takes them through a startup simulation, offers networking with local leads and business owners and provides practical help in seminars. The goal is to spur new business and encourage budding entrepreneurs to choose th...

Buena Vista University Spencer celebrates 40 years

Thursday, December 22, 2016

SPENCER, Iowa -- The Buena Vista University (BVU) Spencer campus celebrated its 40th anniversary on Monday, Dec 19 with a come-and-go celebration at their location in the Gateway North Mall next to Center Cleaners. “We are so excited to be celebrating 40 years,” says Assistant Director Peggy Bates. “During our time here in Spencer we have helped nearly one thousand students achieve their bachelor’s degree while being able to work and stay close to home.” One of BVU’s earliest learning sites, BVU Spencer was established in 1976 in partnership with Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC). They are a part of BVU’s Lake...

IGL TeleConnect offers free community tech classes

Thursday, December 22, 2016

IGL TeleConnect will be offering monthly tech classes led by Tech Support Consultant Mak Kloewer. The classes titled “Tech Tuesday’s with Mak” will cover a variety of topics related to computers and the internet. Each class will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesdays in communities around northwest Iowa. These classes are geared towards those who do not feel they are tech-savvy. January’s topic will include “How to connect to Wi-Fi” and is perfect for those who have wanted to connect their phone or mobile device to a Wi-Fi network at home or their favorite coffee shop but aren’t sure how. Ma...

There’s corn in your gas

Monday, December 19, 2016

Bioscience success stories are everywhere. More than 97 percent of all the gas sold in the U.S. today contains about 10 percent ethanol. It boosts the octane and helps fuel meet air quality standards. Many other bioscience success stories can be found in northwest Iowa and the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. Valero Renewables has a bio-refinery on 78 acres just outside Albert City. For a decade it has been processing about 45 million bushels of corn, turning it into 120 million gallons of ethanol. (Check out the company info here: http://ow.ly/ivGe303FckH.) Rembrandt Foods in Spirit Lake has taken a different direction with bioscience...

Spine surgeon relocates to Northwest Iowa

Friday, December 16, 2016

Experienced spine specialist Dr. Daniel J. McGuire has relocated his practice, Iowa Spine Care PLC, to northwest Iowa. Associated with Northwest Iowa Bone, Joint and Sports Surgeons, Dr. McGuire sees patients in Spencer, Spirit Lake and Storm Lake, with his primary office located on the Spencer Hospital campus. “My practice focuses on providing care for patients who have spine health issues, from evaluation and education to various forms of treatment, including surgery, when necessary,” Dr. McGuire explained. Some common concerns Dr. McGuire may treat include disc herniation, fractures, and scoliosis “My practice has been located for nearly 30 years in central Iowa,&rdquo...

Community Housing Initiatives shows off new Southern Pointe Apartments in Spencer

Thursday, December 15, 2016

One of the latest housing developments in Spencer is being celebrated as a perfect example of how a private-public partnership can work to create housing opportunities in rural areas. On Wednesday, Community Housing Initiatives showed Southern Pointe Apartments, 902 13th Street SW, to the development's supporters and partners. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation was there to catch a glimpse and learn more about the project. Southern Pointe Apartments features three- and four-bedroom apartments and townhomes. Most are income-based, but there are a limited number of market rate units available. Learn more about Southern Pointe Apartments. Read more about Wednesday's event at the Spencer Daily Reporter website.

Buena Vista County volunteers recognized for positive youth development in 4-H program

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Over 20 adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders were recognized for dedicated service to the 4-H program in Buena Vista County at the annual Buena Vista County 4-H Awards Program held Sunday, November 6. Honored as the Buena Vista County 4-H Adult Volunteers of the Year were Doug White and Matt McCarthy. “Without these two individuals the 2016 Special Swine project would not have been possible. Each bring significant talents and resources to 4-H and both believe fully in the importance of educating our youth about the crucial role of agriculture. First, Doug White has served as our Swine Superintendent and Special Swin...

Crop Advantage Series will bring latest research, crop production information to a location near you

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

The 2017 Crop Advantage Series offers a unique opportunity for farmers and crop advisors to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University in their own backyard. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists will travel to 14 locations around Iowa from Jan. 4-Jan. 27, providing updated management options and recommendations on current and future crop production issues. In addition, meetings will also offer continuing educations credits for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) and pesticide safety recertification. “There is no other program in our crop production education year that we are able to bring this many extension specialists togethe...

Fishing the Midwest TV set to begin 26th year

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Fishing the Midwest, one of the Midwest’s longest-running and highest-rated fishing television shows, will begin airing its 26th year of award-winning fishing shows the weekend of Dec. 17-18. Fishing the Midwest will again be available for viewing on cable powerhouse Fox Sports North (Saturdays at 11 a.m.) and Fox Sports Midwest (Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Mondays at 8:30 a.m.) from Dec. 17 through yearend, and continuing for the first 10 weeks of 2017. In addition, Fishing the Midwest will be available on a variety of network affiliates and other carriers across the Midwest as well. Click here for the complete article.

Miller talks housing with supervisors

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Kiley Miller, executive director of the Iowa Lakes Corridor of Opportunity, told the Emmet County Board of Supervisors he had a large concern for housing in Emmet County. Miller said, "A developer from the Twin Cities was interested in new, single-family construction in the Estherville market." Miller said, "I don't know how we're going to reconcile price point vs. the market's demand." Miller said Iowans were used to paying less for housing in general, and many are unwilling to pay market price for a new home. Click here for the complete article.

Sawmill Designs grand opening

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Danielle Westergaard, center, cuts the ribbon on her shop, Sawmill Designs Wednesdsay. The store will sell rustic and modern home dcor and custom furniture, live edge tables, shelves and benches. Click here for the complete article.

Westergard earns 'Citizen of the Years' award

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Ken Westergard has accomplished a lot in his more than eight decades in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. He helped develop infrastructure in the area, ran his own company and continues to be an active member in his community. But the achievement he is most proud of is raising his family. His wife, Dorene, two sons, Mark and Kirk, and daughter Melode have motivated him to get involved throughout the years. And on Wednesday, he will be celebrated for this dedication to the area. Click here for the complete article.

How do you measure the wind?

Monday, December 12, 2016

Just check your handy anemometer. You don’t have one? Then ask an anemometry specialist. The best place to find one, or two, just happens to be in Iowa. Anemometry Specialists, a wind resource assessment company, is in Alta in the Lakes Corridor area. The firm provides state, national and international clients with wind-related data and project management services. (Here’s more on the company: http://ow.ly/oodt303F9Dx.) Or try windtest north america, headquartered at Iowa Lakes Corridor Community College in Estherville. It does measuring, testing and consulting for companies interested in using wind technology, including General Electric and Caterpillar. (More info on the company: http://ow.ly/x8pF303F9Qj.)

Black Hills Energy, Iowa Lakes Corridor attend FABTECH

Thursday, December 08, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation joined Black Hills Energy at FABTECH in November. Held this year in Las Vegas, FABTECH is the continent's largest event for metal forming, fabrication, welding and finishing. Economic development professionals from throughout the Black Hills Energy service territory attended to showcase business opportunities in their communities. Visitors to the Black Hills Energy booth learned about local facilities for lease or sale, workforce and jobs training programs, energy costs, and financial incentives. Representing the Iowa Lakes Corridor was President and CEO Kiley Miller.

Iowa Workforce Development's labor market information web portal makes finding data simple

Thursday, December 08, 2016

Need to capture data on wages, unemployment, labor force and other occupational statistics? Look no further than Iowa Workforce Development's iowalmi.gov. All those statistics and more are available on the website, which has an easy-to-use, intuitive interface. The website is managed by the Labor Market Information Division of Iowa Workforce Development. The division collects, analyzes and prepares a wide array of economic statistics and information that describes geographies in terms of their economic trends, industries, occupations, wages and workforce. Be sure to visit www.iowalmi.gov for more information and to see the types of data available. The Iowa Lakes Corridor is happy to help you navigat...

Getting wind of Iowa

Monday, December 05, 2016

Think wind turbines are a fad? Not in Iowa. In the state, over 6,000 jobs, along with 25 percent of the energy, are produced by wind turbines. One example is the farm at Iowa Lakes Community College. It has its own wind turbine setup, with a goal to show how workable the distributed wind power model is. The school just recently upgraded to three-bladed turbines. The college offers a Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program, one of just seven nationwide to get the official Seal of Approval from the American Wind Energy Association. (For more information, see here: http://ow.ly/jUMe303F7qF.)

Great Lakes Communication Corp. Honored with Iowa Venture Award

Thursday, December 01, 2016

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), on behalf of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and independent telecommunication companies, honored seven distinguished Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting at the Sheraton West Des Moines. Great Lakes Communication Corp. of Spencer Great Lakes Communication Corp.(GLCC) is the largest family owned competitive local exchange carrier in the nation. They are headquartered in Spencer and are currently constructing an 11,000 sq. ft. building expansion to accommodate growth. In addition, a $3.5 million data center was recently constructe...

Do computers think?

Monday, November 28, 2016

It depends on who you ask. Stephen Hawking predicts they will stage a world takeover within a century. But a lot of computer techies figure the high rate of spilled coffee will protect humans. RDI, a former Inc. 5,000 company that is located in Milford and Ames, helps people think about their computers and get the most out of them. One of its leading products is Thinix, managed tech solutions. (For more about the company, see here: http://ow.ly/4cg5303Fe5D.) The high-tech companies in the Lakes Corridor home, like RDI, draw on grads from Iowa Lakes Community College. The school offers programs in compute...

Plug-in Play

Monday, November 21, 2016

Almost 475,000 electric cars are tooling around the U.S. right now. When they run down, owners just plug them into the nearest outlet to get the vehicle powered back up. One of the industry leaders is Polaris GEM. The firm has been manufacturing Indian and Victory brand Motorcycles in Spirit Lake, in the Lakes Corridor region of Iowa, since 1994. (For more information, see here: http://ow.ly/fFIG303FaM6.) These vehicles require meticulous engineering. One of the companies that can deliver the precision machining needed is Tecton Industries, located in Spencer, also in the Iowa Lakes Corridor. The company uses buildings that allow for contro...

Abandoned house becomes Spencer success story

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Monday evening, the public was able to tour a house which was renovated after the city took possession of the property in response to complaints from neighbors. Approximately a year ago, the city began legal proceedings to take possession of the house, located at 612 Fourth Ave. W. The house was then purchased from the city and renovated by Rod Hanson and his brother Ward 5 Councilman Ron Hanson. The brothers own rental properties and do construction work in addition to their regular work. City Attorney Don Hemphill explained that state code allows a city to begin proceedings if it believe...

CARING IS SHARING: Regional women's organization combines to support nonprofits

Thursday, November 17, 2016

On Nov. 4, a group of women from around the region will come together with one aim in mind: aiding area nonprofits. The 100+ Women Who Care will meet at the Softail Saloon in Superior from 6:30-8 p.m. for its quarterly meeting where they will enjoy some fellowship before deciding on an area nonprofit which will benefit from the $100 contribution made by each woman in attendance. This is the third such quarterly gathering. A total of $13,000 has been collected and distributed to the Shayla Bee Fund in Spencer and The Bridge in Storm Lake as a result of th...

CNBC says Iowa is one of the best places to live in the U.S.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Commodores visit Beck Engineering

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The Iowa Navy Commodores welcomed Beck Engineering into its new building at 3301 Zenith Avenue in Spirit Lake with a ribbon cutting Monday, Oct. 24. Click here for the complete article.

Golf entrepreneur brings business, family to Iowa Lakes region

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Midwestern values have undeniable worth, especially in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. Take David Brink's story, for example. Brink recently moved his family and his business, Golf Ball Country, to Spencer from Phoenix. Brink started Golf Ball Country, a golf ball recycling and accessories business, 10 years ago with a $500 investment. Through a store on eBay, Golf Ball Country sold 1 million golf balls in 2016. Brink’s goal is to sell 3 million next year. The decision to move the business away from Phoenix was made after his wife, Holly, gave birth to their first child this summer. They moved to northwest Iowa t...

ILEC cuts ribbon on solar array project

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The future's so bright you know the rest of the song. At Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, "the future's so bright" is more than just a saying. On Thursday, ILEC held a dedication and ribbon cutting for its new solar energy demonstration project. Click here for the complete article.

Iowa Lakes Corridor announces 2016 Business Recognition Award winners

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is proud to announce the five winners of its 2016 Business Recognition Awards. Click here for the complete article.

Iowa Receives $1.8 million Grant to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Today, the United States Department of Labor announced that more than $50 million dollars is being distributed to states to increase access to Registered Apprenticeships. Iowa is one of 36 states to receive grant funding that will result in new registered apprenticeships created in diverse industries, including health care, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Iowa’s award of $1.8 million is tied for the fifth highest amount in the nation, demonstrating Iowa will remain a national leader in growing registered apprenticeships. The Innovative Opportunities with Apprenticeships (IOWA) project will employ extensive outreach and education efforts to further integrate expanded registered apprenticeship...

Spencer Hospital: "Healthier Together"

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Hospital leaders and healthcare professionals across the country continue to expand their focus from caring for people with illnesses to include keeping people well through population health initiatives. Locally, Spencer Hospital strives to provide community education on good health and wellness services focused on preventative care. To reflect that emphasis, the hospital has updated its marketing tagline to “Spencer Hospital – Healthier Together.” “Good health is a journey that starts with prevention,” commented Susan Zulk, Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development for Spencer Hospital. “As individuals, we have the power to make choices each day that impact our health. Th...

Taste of Home brought flavors of the season

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Guy Klinzing is taking his victory lap with Taste of Home. This fall marks Klinzing's final season with Taste of Home Cooking School. Klinzing said, "It has been a wonderful eight-plus years and I have so enjoyed cooking for each and every one of you and representing such a great brand in Taste Of Home. I have conducted more than 270 shows in 25 states on this grand adventure and I wouldn't have traded away a minute of it." Click here for the complete article.

Clay County Community Foundation Announces 2017 Grant Cycle

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Grant applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Clay County Community Foundation granting cycle, which is November 15, 2016 through January 15, 2017. Grants may be awarded in the following areas: Arts & culture Community affairs & development Education Environmental education & protection Health Historical preservation Human services Youth programs Completed applications must be emailed and postmarked by January 15, 2017 to be considered for funding. The application materials are available at www.claycofoundation.com. Grants are awarded in March. Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: a governmental body (school, city, county), or a charitable project with a qualified fiscal sponsor. For more specific questions on eligibility please contact Kate Rinehart, Chair, infocccf@gmail.com or th...

Cultivating renewable energy

Monday, November 14, 2016

About 14 percent of the energy used in the U.S. comes from renewable sources like wind, solar and hydropower. Iowa farmers are part of the trend. The Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative helps farmers decide if it makes sense to invest in alternative forms of energy. See info here: http://ow.ly/4i0Y303F5IZ. Their land is sprouting wind turbines and solar electric systems, which can then be interconnected with the grid by the Cooperative. The Iowa Lakes Corridor is also home to windtest, a German wind energy company. It has moved to the Sustainable Energy Resource Technology building at the Iowa Lakes Community College. (Check ou...

Here's how Community Champions will increase our region's population

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Personal references are powerful. Think about it. You’re more likely to read a book, watch a movie, buy a product or apply for a job if someone you know and trust recommends it directly to you. That’s why the Iowa Lakes Corridor believes more people will move to our region if we have Community Champions promoting the outstanding jobs, housing and incredible recreational opportunities that the Iowa Lakes Corridor has to offer. Last week, we explained the goal behind Five by Five - 5 percent population growth in 5 years – and what it would look like. We then asked you to sig...

Green: the color of choice for industry these days

Monday, November 07, 2016

Going green is a wonderful idea, but it’s just too expensive for big business. Right? Wrong. Sustainability, energy efficiency and LEED building design is no longer the domain of rich ex-hippies in California. Eco-friendly construction is now the affordable choice in the short run, and the cost-effective option for the long term. As proof, the Iowa Lake Corridor Development Group suggests checking out the Spencer Shell Building in the Green Industrial Center in Spencer, Iowa. It’s a 40,000 sq. ft. example of reasonably priced, green construction. For more information, see here http://ow.ly/9Bv9303F519 and http://ow.ly/Uevg303F53p

What does 5% population growth actually mean?

Friday, November 04, 2016

Now that the Iowa Lakes Corridor's Five by Five campaign is ramping up, we are constantly throwing that 5 percent figure out there. Our goal is to increase our population by 5 percent in 5 years, hence the name of the campaign. But what would 5 percent population growth look like? Well, that would mean 3,200 newcomers moved to the Iowa Lakes Corridor region in the next five years. Let's put that number into perspective. That number means: More job seekers in the workforce More customers visiting local shops and service providers More students in area schools More housing starts and development opportunities More volunteers donating time and joining churche...

Avera Holy Family Hospital receives award for patient experience excellence

Thursday, November 03, 2016

Avera Holy Family Hospital was recently recognized with an Excellence Through Insight award for Overall Patient Experience in the Inpatient - Surgical Unit. The Excellence Through Insight awards recognize the healthcare organizations that excel in their ability to gain insight into their patients, employees, physicians and consumers through research and to use that information to build excellence within their organization. “It is with great honor that we accept this award from our partner, Healthstream,” said Dale Hustedt, Holy Family CEO. “This is a true testament to the quality of care that everyone at Avera Holy Family Hospital strives to provide to each an...

No space left to grow?

Monday, October 31, 2016

It’s an economic conundrum: how do you grow an industrial concern when land is fast disappearing and prices are soaring? Do the growth of strip malls mean building a factory is just too expensive? In places like Iowa, there’s still room to grow. The Industrial Greenfields sites offer affordable land in the $25k to $35k an acre range. Lots as small as 15 acres and as large as 128 acres are ready for building, with utilities on site. According to the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, choice land is available close to I-90, US 71 and Iowa 86. Get more information here...

2016 Corridor Business Recognition Luncheon Photos

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Once again, thank you to the more than 200 people who attended the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation's 2016 Business Recognition Luncheon and Awards. Also, thank you so much to F8 Creative in Spencer, Iowa, for photographing the event. Kiley Miller, Iowa Lakes Corridor President and CEO, presents the Chairman's Award. Paul Daniels, Northwest Bank, presents the 2016 Young Professional of the Year Award. Libby Glaser, Bank Midwest, accepts the 2016 Young Professional of the Year Award. Terry Hemann, Superintendent of Spencer Community School District, presents the 2016 Gold Star Award. Members of TechKnow, Spencer, accept the 2016 Gold Star Award. Kate Newey, Studio Burn 360, present...

Blue Zones Summit spurs Spencer growth

Thursday, October 27, 2016

The second Blue Zones Summit concluded in Fort Worth, Texas, earlier this week and Spencer City Manager Bob Fagen returned with many new contacts and ideas to further the program. "There were people from all across the country, including Hawaii, who are really starting to dig deep into this," Fagen said. "Most of us that were there have already been certified as Blue Zones. Some are in the process of trying to figure it out." Fagen recalled that the group was shown cumulative data regarding the impact of the program and that it showed several million people have become healthier in som...

Branstad to Lead Trade Mission to China and Japan

Thursday, October 27, 2016

At his weekly press conference today, Gov. Terry Branstad announced he will lead a trade mission to China and Japan in mid-November. Gov. Branstad was joined by President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Al Wulfekuhle and Executive Director of the Iowa Beef Industry Council Chris Freland. In 2015, Iowa companies exported $1.2 billion in manufactured and value-added goods to China and $1.1 billion to Japan. China is Iowa’s third largest export destination, while Japan is the fourth largest. In addition, Japan is Iowa’s leading export market for pork and beef products. Iowa companies exported $564 million in meat products t...

City OK’s apartment building, condo site deals

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Two housing projects were approved in a series of votes by the Storm Lake City Council Monday - a low-to-moderate-income 60-unit complex that would be located on 10th Street, and a market-rate condo/apartment project with 110 units for the former Sunset Bay site adjacent to the golf course. The former saw some dissent before winning approval, as two members of the council feel the City’s greater need is for market-rate housing that would be open to everyone, as opposed to LMI units that would be open only to those qualifying by income level. Councilman Bruce Engelmann felt that the City needed housin...

Dickinson County leaders discus needs, tourism with state officials

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Representatives of the Iowa Great Lakes Area tourism industry had the opportunity to express their wants and needs with several state agencies last week. The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs held a "drop-in" meeting Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Pearson Lakes Art Center. Officials from the Iowa Arts Council, Iowa State Historical Society, Iowa Tourism Office, USDA, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Economic Development attended. The event was modeled after Gov. Terry Branstad's Capitol for a Day program. Michael Morain, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, said it was designed to allow state agencies to learn abou...

Ernst visits Rembrandt Foods in Spirit Lake

Thursday, October 27, 2016

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said concerns about industry rules and regulations inspired her recent trip to northwest Iowa. The Iowa Republican commented on the role of government regulations in business and the presidential election on Oct. 18 during a Spirit Lake stop at Rembrandt Foods, an egg producer and ingredient supplier. The visit was part of Ernst's 99-county tour across the state. "We are at Rembrandt Foods right now and visiting about the implications of opening up the Farm Bill -- what rules and regulations might exist out there currently, what would hamper the industry," Ernst said. "But we also heard tha...

Former Iams owner shares entrepreneurial philosophy

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Raised on a farm in northern Ohio, Clay Mathile transformed his humble beginnings as the son of a farmer and a school teacher, into a career that led him from General Motors and Campbell's Soup to the ownership of Iams pet food company and its eventual sale to Protor & Gamble for $2.3 billion. He has since gone on with his wife, Mary, to establish CYMI Holdings, a family-office based in Dayton, Ohio, providing wealth-advisory and investment services. He is also the founder of Aileron, a professional management and administration development group. Mathile wrote two books, "Run Your Business, Don't Le...

Iowa, growing more than corn

Monday, October 24, 2016

To the outsider, Iowa is the land of corn and soybeans. Iowa also grows companies, a fact well known to people looking for a healthy business climate. If fertilizer grows crops, what grows a company? It’s all about a range of affordable sites and buildings, business-friendly local government, ample utilities, up-to-date technology and competitive rates. (For a look at available sites and buildings, see here: http://ow.ly/hwpW303F2Gw.) The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is rich in the services and facilities needed by existing industry and new businesses. Looking to relocate? The group offers assistance from business volunteers and professional staff. Get more informatio...

Community, Corridor honor award recipients at Business Recognition Luncheon and Awards

Thursday, October 20, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is proud to announce the five winners of its 2016 Business Recognition Awards. This year’s winners are: Young Professional of the Year – Libby Glaser Gold Star Award – TechKnow Entrepreneur of the Year – Matt Matthiesen, West O Beer Small Business of the Year – Zone Home Entertainment Large Business of the Year – Daybreak Foods “The Iowa Lakes Corridor is delighted to honor and recognize this year’s award winners,” Kiley Miller, Corridor President and CEO, said. “This group demonstrates all of the values held by our region’s business and community leaders.” The awards were presented Wednesday during the Iowa Lake...

Five by Five Business Spotlight: Seasons Center for Behavioral Health

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health is one of the rapidly growing businesses in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. The most recognized aspect of that growth is likely the new Autumn's Center in Spencer, a soon-to-open facility focusing on children ages 0-21. But perhaps less known is that in 2016 alone, Seasons Center has started 46 employees. Twenty-six of those are working at either the Spencer or Spirit Lake location. The new positions include psychiatrist, outpatient therapists, pediatric nurse practitioner, support staff, IT and HR positions. Barb Work, an HR Generalist, started working at Seasons Center in Spencer on Jan. 28. She's originally from Spirit Lake, bu...

Looking for Cobalt, Sapphire and Indigo? Check out Spencer, Iowa!

Monday, October 17, 2016

The new housing project in Spencer has 23 homes, all with a blue theme. The homes are known as Indigo, Cobalt and Sapphire. For variety, the new neighborhood also has Columbia, Carolina and Cambridge models. IGL Construction, the developers, teamed up with local contractors to build the 23 homes with six open floor plans, all about 1,500 square feet. With the local housing shortage, IGL feels Spencer will attract buyers happy to live in one of the biggest cities in a 90-mile area. (See here for more information: http://ow.ly/uge6303yhE0.) During construction, IGL relied on help from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation...

GrapeTree Medical Staffing creating jobs for newcomers, Iowa lakes area residents alike

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Of GrapeTree Medical Staffing's 27 new employees in 2016, seven have moved to the Iowa Lakes region from another location. Those locations include: South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Cedar Falls and Des Moines. The other 20 positions were filled by folks already living in the area. Two of those invidiuals, including Mark Gaworski, moved to the area for prior jobs. Gaworski, who is now GrapeTree's Vice President of Finance, said he was considering moving away from the area several months ago in search of a higher-level accounting and finance position. "I was fortunate to connect with Tim (Kinnetz, GrapeTree President/CEO) and was hired as the Vice Presiden...

Iowa, a booming technology center

Monday, October 10, 2016

From Google’s data centers to technology companies serving financial and insurance industries, Iowa has gone high tech. Information and communication technology now accounts for over $10 billion of the state’s GDP. To train the workforce needed, Iowa Lakes Community College is offering programming, related classes and specialty groups. Jolene Rogers, the Executive Director of the Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation, says, “The Spirit Lake Robotics group has greatly increased our youth’s interest in STEM careers, many of which are available in our region.” (For more on the college: http://ow.ly/GVfh303ycVA.) The college is working closely with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation t...

Elevate Iowa names Tecton Industries president Bruce Tamisiea a Legend of Manufacturing

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Elevate Iowa named Bruce Tamisiea, president of Tecton Industries, Inc. in Spencer, a Legend of Manufacturing for companies with fewer than 100 employees. An article in the Business Record stated Tamisiea and others were recognized during Elevate Iowa's second annual Legends in Iowa Manufacturing awards dinner on Monday, Oct. 3 in Altoon. Elevate Iowa is a program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. Read more at the Business Record website.

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs meets in Okoboji during Dickinson County 'drop-in'

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Tourism's impact on and importance to Dickinson County - and the rest of the Iowa Lakes Corridor region - is so massive that many local, regional and state entities must work hand-in-hand to ensure the industry's success. On Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs held a "drop-in" for Okoboji area and Dickinson County tourism organizations so that they could better understand what this area needs to keep our tourism a vibrant quality of the region. Okoboji Tourism partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs to coordinate the event. Forming partnerships to help each other “In state government in Des Moines, we always have to do a much bette...

GKN Armstrong Wheels recognized as Platinum Level Caterpillar supplier

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Employees at the GKN Armstrong Wheels plant in Estherville on Tuesday morning celebrated receiving the Caterpillar (CAT) Platinum Award, which recognizes Caterpillar suppliers for their superior quality, delivery and support. CAT is one of GKN's largest customers. Only a select number of CAT's suppliers from around the globe reach platinum-level certification. The Caterpillar leadership team presented the award. The platinum level reflects zero defective parts and 98 percent on time delivery to all CAT locations over the past 12 months. The award places Iowa plants (located in Armstrong and Estherville) in the top 5 percent of CAT's 6,000 suppliers.

Iowa, one of the windiest states?

Monday, October 03, 2016

It’s true! Iowa ranks No. 5 in terms of windiest weather. Wind power now makes up more than a quarter of all the electricity generated in the state. To make the most of this natural resource, Windtest, a German wind energy company, has located it North American headquarters in Estherville. The company offices are in the Sustainable Energy Resource Technology building at Iowa Lakes Community College. (For more information about the company, check out its website: http://ow.ly/m29s303y9FL.) Windtest is just one of several new companies that call the Iowa Lakes Corridor home. Since 1999, over 40 companies and more than 3,000 ne...

Spencer Area Jobs Trust's Student Internship Program reimburses businesses for providing educational opportunities

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Experience matters to employers looking to fill job openings. That’s why the Spencer Area Jobs Trust‘s Student Internship Program offers Clay County businesses and organizations the support and financial resources needed to make internship opportunities available to students. "The Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internship Program has been a successful program for Spencer businesses and our community," said Ryan Johnson, president of the Spencer Area Jobs Trust. "The program provides real life job experience and a competitive wage to interns in their fields of interest." The program strives to give students a significant learning experience, while helping employers recruit skilled workers. Businesses are awarded u...

Avera Holy Family brings talent to Estherville area

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Our region isn't going to grow unless employers are able to bring talented professionals to the area and keep our current talented residents right here in the Iowa Lakes Corridor area. Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville has had success in attracting talent. The organization recently hired four professionals whose positions are very visible to the community, according to a Sept. 12 article in the Estherville News. Here's a photo from Sept. 7 featuring a couple of the new hires. The article, written by Dale Hustedt, Avera Holy Family Hospital Administrator, shares details about each of the hires. They are as follows: Adrianne Westmoreland, MD...

Back to School: Why Iowa’s education system matters for business

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Looking for an educated workforce? There’s something Iowa does better than any other state—graduate our students. More than 90 percent of Iowa high school students graduate each year. That’s the highest percentage in the country. Our students also score well on standardized tests. In 2015, Iowans had the second highest average score on the ACT.* In addition, the state of Iowa has made STEM education a priority, with STEM programs already reaching more than 100,000 K-12 students. Our universities are also STEM oriented – Iowa ranks 5th among all states in STEM degrees earned per 1,000 residents. Click here for the complet...

IGL TeleConnect expands into Everly area

Thursday, September 15, 2016

IGL TeleConnect, the area's fastest growing internet service provider, announced that it now offers high-speed internet access to those residing in the Everly area. IGL TeleConnect's network technicians invested the better part of this year building a first-class network structure. The new location will provide residents and businesses with fast and affordable internet service from a company that boasts exceptional customer service. "Many small town and rural residents are frustrated by limited choices and poor support when they purchase internet services," local owner Josh Nelson said. "IGL TeleConnect is committed to each and every area we service by employing local people...

Iowa Lakes awarded technology grant

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Some Iowa Lakes students and faculty members may soon have access to the latest technology in their field. The community college was awarded a nearly $1.7 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education last Wednesday to help update and enhance technology in the classroom. Funds from the grant will be allocated throughout five years, with $455,000 slated for this year. "We feel this grant will help us provide updated technology as well as flexible teaching methods for students to learn in an improved environment which, in turn, will increase enrollment, retention, completion and success rates of students," Iowa Lake...

Shaved ice business gives back to nonprofit organizations

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The truck with a parrot, a penguin and palm trees might find a place near high school football fields on Friday nights. Fans just need to listen for the tropical tune playing from Kevin Vugteveen's Kona Ice of Okoboji truck. Vugteveen, along with driver Lori Hott, bring their flavored, shaved-ice truck to sporting events and nonprofit celebrations throughout the Iowa Great Lakes. Vugteveen donates 20 percent of the profits from each event to the organization. Click here for the complete article.

Shopko cuts ribbon at Grand Opening

Thursday, September 15, 2016

While rain fell steadily outside, it didn't keep customers from descending on Shopko Hometown in Estherville for the store's grand opening on Friday. Store manager Tom Hayenga welcomed local officials and the more than 50 residents who came for the ribbon cutting ceremony as they waited for the store to open. "Shopko has been a part of small town communities for over 50 years and we're excited to be part of the Estherville community," Hayenga said. "I think our team did a great job in making this a beautiful location. We have the essentials plus man things needed for today's lifestyle. Becaus...

The Most Impressive State for Clean Energy

Thursday, September 15, 2016

In the highly public race among states trying to get the most electricity from clean and renewable sources, it’s not surprising who’s making the most noise. Hawaii—environmentally sensitive islands without access to fossil fuels—has been the most aggressive, passing a law last year that will require its utilities to get 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2045. Liberal coastal bastions led by charismatic governors aren’t far behind. In 2015 California passed a law requiring 50 percent renewables by 2030. And New York, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pushed hard for green initiatives, said last month that i...

Tourism in Iowa Generated $8 billion in Expenditures for Second Consecutive Year

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Tourism-related expenditures in Iowa in 2015 totaled $8.06 billion, according to a new study from the U.S. Travel Association. This marks the second consecutive year expenditures have topped the $8 billion mark. Additional data from “The Economic Impact of Travel on Iowa Counties” shows travel-generated state tax receipts at a record $466.7 million, a 25 percent increase over 2014. Tourism in Iowa also supported 67,400 jobs, comprising 4.2 percent of total state non-farm employment in 2015. “Lower gas prices in 2015 helped draw in more travelers who significantly increased their spending on lodging, restaurants, shopping and entertainment,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iow...

WHY IOWA?

Thursday, September 15, 2016

If you think Iowa is about corn, you're right. It's our gold, our oil…it helps fuel an economy that's robust and growing. If, however, you think Iowa is all agriculture, you're wrong. Our agronomic ecosystem has spawned a diverse economy that bucks negative national and international trends. Much of what you know about Iowa is true. It's what you don't know about Iowa that will put us in contention for your business. Click here for the complete article.

Corridor to recruit Community Champions at Clay County Fair Innovation Pavilion

Thursday, September 01, 2016

Iowa Lakes Corridor region residents know about this area's high quality of life, notable job opportunities and stunningly beautiful outdoor scenery. Put simply: We've got a lot to brag about. So help us brag about it! This year at the Clay County Fair, the Innovation Pavilion's primary purpose is to recruit Community Champions for the Iowa Lakes Corridor's 5x5 Campaign, a soon-to-launch initiative seeking a 5 percent increase in the region's population in 5 years. We're up to the challenge. Are you? Innovation Pavilion If you answered yes, then you'll want to visit us at the Innovation Pavilion at the Clay County Fair from Sept...

GrapeTree Medical Staffing named to Inc. 5000

Friday, August 26, 2016

GrapeTree Medical Staffing in Milford was recently named to Inc. magazine's Inc. 5000, a prestigious list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. GrapeTree is No. 1,205 on the list and No. 3 in the state of Iowa. "We are very excited about our growth as a company," Tim Kinnetz, founder and CEO of GrapeTree, said in a news release provided to the Corridor. "Our healthcare providers are some of the best around and are dedicated to improving healthcare on a daily basis." Inc. ranks organizations by percentage of revenue growth over a three-year period. "The Inc. 5000 list stands out where it really counts,” Inc. Presiden...

Chamber sets sights on 'Women of Vision'

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce has announced a program entitled, "Women of Vision." This new program is intended to provide camaraderie, support and motivational presentations to the women of the community. According to Becky Fear-Hatting, chamber program director, the idea to create "Women of Vision" was initially that of Bill Campbell, chamber executive director. Campbell had seen a similar program while attending chamber meetings in eastern Iowa. "It was doing a great job of getting the women of the town together," Hatting said. Click here for the complete article.

Iowa’s bioscience economy: Drugs and pharmaceuticals

Thursday, August 18, 2016

A report released last month indicates Iowa’s drugs and pharmaceuticals industry was one of the fastest growing in the nation from 2012 to 2014. In those two years, sector employment grew seven percent. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, together with TEConomy Partners, a leading research firm, published the report, titled “The Value of Bioscience Innovation in Growing Jobs and Improving Quality of Life.” The below map, taken from the report, shows where drugs and pharmaceutical job growth was at its highest from 2012-2014. You can see Iowa shaded in the darkest color, indicating it...

Japanese food service professionals explore Iowa beef farm

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The families of Glenn and Bev Rowe, Tanner and Laura Rowe, and Justin and Corinne Rowe hosted a Japanese food service group on their family beef farm July 22 to share their story of beef farming in Iowa for over six generations. It was of great interest to the group to learn about the six-generation family farm. They also had the opportunity to learn about the availability of feed and water, as well as animal care during their visit. The Japanese food service professional's tour was facilitated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority International Office with the outcome of showcasing agricultura...

National rankings recap: Iowa is this summer’s top blockbuster

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Iowa is this summer’s hottest blockbuster and the critics love us. They’re saying things like “best state for young people” and that our cities are “least-stressed,” “healthiest,” and “top college towns.” Publications like 24/7 Wall Street, Business Insider and the New York Times are praising our state’s low unemployment, high quality of life and diverse economy. Click here for the complete article.

The Growth of Iowa Biotech

Thursday, August 18, 2016

In the early 2000s, cystic fibrosis researchers were frustrated with available mouse models of the disease. The mice carried the mutant version of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that causes the disease in people, but the animals didn’t develop the mucus-coated lungs, coughing, or breathing difficulty observed in human patients. Researchers at the University of Iowa (UI) thought they might have a solution—genetically modified miniature pigs. In September 2008, the team published their results: the mutant pigs had defective transmembrane chloride ion transport, the molecular hallmark of cystic fibrosis that leaves human patients’ skin tasting salty. Additionally...

Two wind farms coming to Dickinson County

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Iowa Great Lake residents might notice the construction of some new wind turbines in Dickinson County in the near future. Tradewind Energy, an energy company based in Lenexa, Kansas, is in the preliminary stages of developing two new wind farm projects -- North Star and Red Rock -- in Dickinson County. North Star will encompass 70 turbines primarily located in eastern Dickinson County. Red Rock will house 180 turbines in southeastern Dickinson County and parts of Emmet and Palo Alto County. Click here for the complete article.

Iowa Lakes Initiative wins Farmers Bank’s $500 Bronze Anniversary Prize

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Farmers Bank of Spencer has announced that the Iowa Lakes Initiative has received the $500 Bronze Anniversary Prize as part of the bank’s 100 Year Anniversary Charity Contest. This was the contest's second group of winning charities. Contest winners were determined by voters. “We are very honored by this recognition of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Initiative, which is a significant piece of a broad effort to build a robust support system for local entrepreneurs,” said Kiley Miller, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. “Thank you to the voters.” The Iowa Lakes Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliate...

OEI Class of 2016 successfully completes course

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Congratulations to the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Class of 2016. This was the 11th year of OEI and these students from Buena Vista University, Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa did not disappoint. These students worked hard all last week to build entrepreneurial skills and create a network of friends and possible advisors for their future endeavors. A graduation luncheon was held Friday, Aug. 12, at the Lakes Pearson Arts Center following the students' successful completion of the course. The Iowa Lakes Corridor would like to thank the students for their participation and hard work, th...

Iowa Lakes Corridor Board of Directors welcomes 7 new members

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation recently welcomed seven new members to its Board of Directors. New to the board for the Iowa Lakes Corridor’s Fiscal Year 2017 are: Jon Kruse, Mayor of Storm Lake; Dr. Carl Turner, Superintendent of Storm Lake Community Schools; Burlin Matthews, Clay County Board of Supervisors; Susan Zulk, Spencer Hospital; John Chappas, Spirit Lake City Council; Sean Sherrod, Polaris Industries; and Beverly Juhl, Emmet County Board of Supervisors. The new members will add their leadership experience and guidance to the Board of Directors as the Iowa Lakes Corridor continues to help the region’s businesses thrive and t...

Heavy equipment simulator creates interest in construction jobs

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The demand for construction workers and heavy equipment operators within the Corridor region (and beyond) appears to be increasing almost everyday. However, people are simply not considering this wide industry as potential employment. The Iowa Workforce Development, in partnership with Hawkeye Community College and Wal-Mart, is working to change that. These three groups have come together to create a heavy equipment simulator. The simulator, which visited Spencer this past week, contains bulldozer, excavator, road grater, and welding stations. The Iowa Lakes Corridor team couldn't help visiting this awesome exhibit, which is fun, but also educational and inspiring. It really gives you the sense that you are abl...

BVRMC's Hope Harbor staff complete courses

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The staff of Buena Vista Regional Medical Center's Hope Harbor staff recently completed courses sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association called Dementia Care Basics and Cares for Dementia Related Behaviors. Click here for the complete article.

Lt. Governor to lead Trade Mission to Argentina and Uruguay

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds announced today at the Administration’s weekly press conference that she will lead a trade mission to Argentina and Uruguay on October 1-8, 2016. The trip is aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities for Iowa businesses and is being coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Argentina is a very attractive market for U.S. exporters. With imports all but frozen over the past four years, there is now a wide variety of market segments that need to import supplies, capital goods and services in order to manufacture locally, as well as companies that seek to impor...

Mainstreet Market brings arts, music, food and fun

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Beginning Thursday, the Clay County Courthouse lawn will once again be filled with arts, food and the sound of music. Jim Schooley, chair of the Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy, or SPACE, estimated that this year will be Mainstreet Market's 11th. According to Schooley, the market was created as a response to the community's "growing frustration" as arts and crafts in the area began to dwindle. Click here for the complete article.

Newest 'Habitat' home digging underway

Thursday, July 14, 2016

A little more than two weeks after the official Northwest Iowa Corridor Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking for the Rosales family home, work began on site where the basement was dug out Monday. The 12th home for the local Habitat organization is being built next to a previous Habitat home on Country Club Lane. Click here for the complete article.

USDA Releases Energy Grants for 33 Iowa Farms, Businesses

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 33 small Iowa businesses and farms have been awarded grants to reduce energy costs by improving lighting and installing solar energy systems. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says more than $670,000 is approved for the projects including funding a wind energy project and improvements to grain dryer systems on two farms. Click here for the complete article.

Heavy equipment simulator coming to IowaWORKS in Spencer

Friday, July 08, 2016

A heavy equipment simulator designed to give people a taste of what it's like to operate large construction machinery is coming to the IowaWORKS building in Spencer. The simulator will be at the IowaWORKS building, 217 W. Fifth St. in Spencer, from July 19-22, according to the Spencer Daily Reporter. The "video game on steroids," as its described in the Daily Reporter's article, is designed to not only let people have fun operating virtual heavy equipment, but also to pique their interest in acquiring the skills needed to operate the equipment in real life. Employers in the construction industry are always looking for people skille...

Okoboji Foundation $5,000 Nonprofit Challenge begins today

Friday, July 01, 2016

Throughout the month of July, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will be participating in the Okoboji Foundation's $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Entrepreneurial Development Endow Iowa Fund is one of the participating funds. The goal of this fundraising challenge is to raise $5,000 by the end of the month of July with the nonprofit organization with the largest fund at the completion of the challenge receiving an additional $5,000 from the Okoboji Foundation. If you would like to donate to the Iowa Lakes Corridor Entrepreneurial Development Endow Iowa Fund or to another nonprofit fund in the Iowa Great Lakes area, pleas...

Spencer Quality Housing Initiative surpasses $1 million milestone

Thursday, June 30, 2016

SPENCER, Iowa – In just under five years, the Spencer Quality Housing Initiative has exceeded $1 million in distributed grant funds. Awarded and administered by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust, the Spencer Quality Housing Initiative began disbursing funds in late 2011. The program’s goal is to incentivize the purchase of new, mid-range houses located in the City of Spencer. City Manager Bob Fagen said he is pleased with the program’s progress and results. “The program’s been a complete success,” Fagen said. “The city came from having four residential building permits with a value of about $800,000 to having $26 million of new residentia...

Army veteran shares her Home Base Iowa success story

Monday, June 27, 2016

Brittany White is a mother of three, resident of Sioux Rapids, Ranco employee -- and also an Army veteran. This past December, Brittany and her family moved to the Iowa Lakes Corridor region to be closer to her husband's family. Upon moving here, Brittany was unsure of where to look for a job that would accept her with her military resume and background. Fortunately, Brittany contacted the Iowa Lakes Corridor office and became a part of the Home Base Iowa organization. "I love it here. I love my job, I love the area. I couldn't ask for anything else." After serving for 3.5 year...

Iowa Lakes Corridor welcomes new staff

Monday, June 27, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation would like to welcome to its team two new hires: Katrina McCarty and Tim Weideman. Katrina will be acting as the Corridor's Office, Communications, and Events intern for the summer. She is a recent graduate from Clay Central/ Everly High School and plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall. She is very grateful for this great opportunity to work at the Corridor and to give back to her community. Katrina is the daughter of Eugene McCarty. Tim Weideman has taken on the position of Administrative Specialist. Tim comes to the Corridor after working a...

Cuban baseball stars take up residence in Storm Lake

Friday, June 17, 2016

Cuban baseball star Angel Mario Tamayo says, "Everything is about adaptation." At 28 years old, Tamayo knew his career as a professional baseball player was peaking, so he decided to leave Cuba to try to make in the American big leagues before it was too late. That was three years ago. He spent two of those years in the Dominican Republic, playing Winter League baseball, which is the highest level of professional baseball in the Dominican Republic- many players go on the to major leagues. While he was there, unbeknownst to Tamayo, his manager declined a contract offer by his team, th...

Iowa ranked 4th best state for millennials

Friday, June 17, 2016

Recently, MoneyRates.com ranked Iowa as the fourth best state in the country for millennials. North Dakota topped the list followed by South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Montana. The ranking considered factors such as job availability, affordable rent, night life, broadband access and other amenities. According to the website, the only major strikes against Iowa were "mediocre" access to broadband and "well below-average" rental availability. Contrastingly, it did note that Iowa's unemployment rate was the state's strongest feature. Though MoneyRates listed Iowa's unemployment rate at 5.8 percent, the rates in northwest Iowa are even less. Click here for the complete article.

Key West meets Northwest Iowa: No shirt, no shoes, no problem-o at Barefoot Bar

Friday, June 17, 2016

It's early May and Debbie Parks said the palm trees are already swaying away at the Barefoot Bar. Wait, palm trees at Lake Okoboji? Yes, along with tiki bars, mojitos and over-the-top decorations, the Barefoot Bar is the type of joint that wouldn't feel out of place in Key West, Florida. Click here for the complete article.

Okoboji Foundation provides $204,630 for vital capital projects

Friday, June 17, 2016

On June 2, representatives of the Okoboji Foundation grant committee and nonprofit recipients celebrated awards of $204,630 to make a lasting positive impact in the Lakes Community. "The primary focus of improvement on Monument Drive is a new drainage system recognized by USEPA as a best practice for storm water infiltration for runoff into West Lake Okoboji," Arnolds Park Mayor Jim Hussong said. "It will be used as a demonstration site for low impact development to protect the water quality of our lakes. In addition, the $65,000 grant from the Okoboji Foundation allows us to make applications for other grants t...

Rust's Western Shed expands and offers more products

Friday, June 17, 2016

There's a new sheriff in town, who actually has a new store addition to the established downtown Storm Lake business that is Rust's Western Shed. Mike Rust, who has been in the shoe repair and sales business for 31 years, has expanded his store to a space next door to the original store. The new addition offers men's formal wear, an expanded jeans selection, as well as shirts, boots, and shoes. "Thirty one years ago, if you told me I'm doing what I'm doing now, I wouldn't think it would have been possible," says Mike. Mike, a Harlan, Iowa native, learne...

University of Okoboji entrance exams center around fun

Friday, June 17, 2016

Students of the University of Okoboji are majoring in fun. Okoboji has everything one would expect a university to have -- sports (University of Okoboji Winter Olympics, marathon and triathlon), dorms (hotels) and food service (restaurants) all in a beautiful setting. But it's lacking one major thing: college classes. Click here for the complete article.

The Best Place to Live

Thursday, March 31, 2016

What makes a location the best place to live? Research suggests that it is good to find a place with a low-cost of living and affordable wages. The Iowa Lakes Corridor region fits right into this category, offering grants and loans to make housing even more affordable, as well as data reports to compare their cost of living to other regions across the nation (Found here: http://www.lakescorridor.com/ilcdc/life/statistics/cost-of-living) Likewise, research suggested that a quality place to live and work inspires innovation and creativity. This can be done with a relaxing place to live – like the wonderful scenery, bike (running, snowmobile, ect....

An Employable Workforce

Monday, March 28, 2016

As of June 2015, the national unemployment rate has dropped to 5.3%. But for those looking for work, it might be good to know that the Iowa Lakes Corridor region has an even lower unemployment rate of 4.7%. How has the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation helped to make the unemployment rate so low? By continuously working to study the area with a variety of reports, and then applying what they learn through numerous workforce training programs. With multiple colleges and partnerships throughout the region, Iowa Lakes CDC strives to make everyone in the region an employable, skilled worker; from preparin...

A Place to Tour, A Place to Live

Thursday, March 24, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor region is a great place to work because new and expanding businesses are constantly developing while endless programs are being implemented to provide workers with the tools needed for success. The Iowa Lakes Corridor region is a great place to live because it has affordable housing, stunning scenery, endless biking, running, ATV, and snowmobile trails, as well as wonderful opportunities for fishing and hunting. Of course, that is all without mentioning the atmosphere of creativity and innovation throughout the region. With multiple colleges in the area, there are constant plays, concerts, and other extravagant activities. For mor...

A Combined Four-Year Plan

Monday, March 21, 2016

Regardless of where you are in life or what you need, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation wants to help you do it as cheaply, efficiently, and successfully as possible. Looking for a new home? Iowa Lakes CDC would recommend the Spencer Quality Housing Initiative Grant. Looking to start a new business in the area? There are multiple loan opportunities, as well as tools and reports to help find site locations for new and expanding businesses. What about college? There are a variety of opportunities throughout the Corridor region, including Buena Vista University, Iowa Lakes Community College, and the Iowa Central Communit...

Iowa Apprenticeship Program

Thursday, March 17, 2016

In a culture where employees feel it makes more sense to switch jobs every 5 years, it can be expensive and risky for employers to train new employees. According to research, it can cost up to 33% of an employee’s yearly salary to train a new employee. As a company dedicated to both worker and business success, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation can provide aid. While offering on the job training programs, encouraging workers to attend educational classes at local colleges, and helping businesses cut costs on training, they also want to bring awareness to a state-wide initiative called the Iow...

Buena Vista University

Monday, March 14, 2016

What is important from a college? A high educational rating? Enough students to build a community? A quality education through a variety of different fields and programs? Or how about a guarantee that the money being spent is going towards something valuable? Buena Vista University within the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, has all of these requirements and more. Listed among the top 20 universities in the Midwest, Buena Vista University is proudly listed as one of U.S. Weekly’s best value colleges of 2015. Potential students can rest assured that for the money they’re spending, they will be getting ...

An Education meant for you

Thursday, March 10, 2016

While the primary consumers of college educations are recent high-school graduates, learning is a life-long pastime. In many cases, the best way to proceed up the corporate ladder is to continue taking courses offered through colleges and universities. In the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the best place to do that is Iowa Lakes Community College. The Iowa Lakes Community College prides itself on two things: ease of access for all willing to learn, and an assortment of programs that help prepare students for real work within the community. This includes programs targeted at businesses, manufacturing, wind energy, as wel...

The Future of Entrepreneurs

Monday, March 07, 2016

Entrepreneurs are the future. Iowa Lakes CDC wants to help entrepreneurs stimulate communities, bring new money and jobs, build solutions around stagnating markets, and drive the economy forward. While the Iowa Lakes CDC strives to foster entrepreneurs in the region through youth Entrepreneurship programs, they also desire new ventures from around the country. Not only is the Corridor region a fantastic place for new startups to live and work, but the Iowa Lakes CDC offers numerous programs to help facilitate entrepreneurship growth and success. For more information on the many resources available to entrepreneurs within the region, click here...

Idea Development

Thursday, March 03, 2016

Having an idea is only a small portion of a plan. For someone who has never started a new business venture before, the process of planning and executing an idea might seem daunting. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has a program designed for entrepreneurs intended to foster business ideas, plan for the future, and find partners to help execute entrepreneur’s plans. Offered every spring, the Prepare to Launch program is a 10-week, 30 hour training curriculum intended to help entrepreneurs get a firm footing within the region. For more information, follow this link: http://www.lakescorridor.com/ilcdc/people/entrepreneuership/entrepreneur-training or for additional entrepreneu...

The Full Package

Monday, February 29, 2016

Looking for a job? Iowa Lakes Corridor is overflowing with opportunities. Worried about finding a place to live? Iowa, and the Corridor region, have some of the lowest costs of living in the nation. Don’t want to live long-distance from your life-partner? No sweat! Through a community run spousal program, volunteers in the area can help find local employment for both you and your partner. What about children? Iowa is home to countless educational opportunities, both on the college level and below. In fact, Iowa Lakes Corridor has partnered with multiple local businesses to help provide hands-on education that prepare...

Be Prepared

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Many students nationwide – high-school and college – are unprepared for the professional world. The Iowa Lakes Corridor region aims to change this - to prepare students for the future. With over 22% of the region’s jobs in manufacturing, the Iowa Lakes CDC aims to prepare high-school students for potential fields of employment by providing them with hands on experience through their manufacturing and constructing trades academy. Students receive on the site training and experience with professional employers found throughout the region. With the help of Iowa Lakes CDC, the youth of the Corridor region will be prepared for th...

The Cost of a Home

Monday, February 22, 2016

According to data gathered by the USA census (pdf found here: http://www.census.gov/const/uspriceann.pdf), the average price of buying a new house can be over 200,000 thousand dollars. Within the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the Iowa Lakes CDC wants to help make moving as painless as possible. For any personal residence (that is new) between the costs of 115,000 and 195,000 dollars, buyers will be eligible for a 15,000 dollar grant. This grant, called the Spencer Quality Housing Initiative Grant, will be money provided to help buyers find their place in Iowa. Moving can be expensive, but Iowa Lakes CDC wants t...

By the Power of Wind

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Throughout the year of 2014, Iowa produced 28% of its electricity through wind energy. Third overall for wind energy production, Iowa has more than 1.5 million homes powered by wind energy. Throughout the state of Iowa there are somewhere between 6,000 to 7,000 jobs in the wind industry, many within the Corridor region. This includes manufacturing parts, installing, and maintaining the turbines. Within the last year, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has signed a new deal with German company windtest. This partnership will bring countless more jobs to the Corridor region throughout the years to come. Working with wind turbine...

Healthy Healthcare

Monday, February 15, 2016

It should be a requirement that healthcare professionals be healthy, happy, and enjoy their work. Unfortunately, according to research, over 50% of healthcare workers feel overworked, disempowered and unappreciated. In turn, patient satisfaction drops. Grape Tree Medical Staffing in the Iowa Lakes Corridor supplies part-time healthcare professionals so that full-time workers might have some well-deserved time off. If you’re looking for work in the healthcare field, or in need of a part-time worker to fill in, check out the website for Grape Tree Medical Staffing here: http://www.grapetree.org/#!about/c20r9

The Power of a Mentor

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

According to research, nearly 50% of young entrepreneurs fail without a mentor, while around 88%, with the guidance of someone more experienced, succeed. Within the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the goal is not to simply create economic stability and development in the present, but for the future. One of Iowa Lakes CDC’s ways of approaching the future is by investing in the youth – by providing mentors for those who will one day work throughout the region. Hosting the Entrepreneurship Academy for nearly ten years now, the Iowa Lakes CDC aims to help middle school students understand the core concept...

Wind Power

Monday, February 08, 2016

As technology advances, Iowa continues to prove that wind power is a reliable and effective method of producing energy. Across the Midwest, multiple states are targeting the issues of closing coal plants in favor of funding more green energy programs. The Iowa Lakes Corridor region is already there. As many states switch over to a more natural, sustainable form of power, Iowa has been a frontrunner of wind energy for multiple years. One of the companies in the Corridor continuously working to make this possible is Anemometry Specialists, Inc. Anemometry Specialists has been working in the wind field for man...

Soft Skills

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

One of the most stressful transitions in life is the one between college and the professional world. Research suggests that over 60% of employers believe that college candidates lack soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills. The colleges of Iowa Lakes Corridor are looking to lower this number. One approach is the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute in the Corridor region. Created in 2006, the program provides a weeklong simulation and classroom training for college students. Iowa Lakes CDC aims to have an employable, skilled workforce, starting with the present, and working through the future. For more information on the Okoboji Entrepreneuria...

How do you like your eggs?

Monday, February 01, 2016

Over the year of 2014, approximately 303 million hens in the United States laid around 7.5 billion eggs. This accumulates to almost 10% of the world’s produced eggs. From these 7.5 billion eggs, Iowa was the leading state for both hens owned and eggs produced. Among Iowa, one of the leading agricultural companies dedicated to egg production is Rembrandt Enterprises of the Corridor region. Their mission is to continue being a top producer of eggs and egg-based products through the pursuit of sustainable production and innovative solutions. With multiple locations in the Iowa Lakes CDC region, they provide countless jobs...

Agricultural Manufacturing

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Each region of the United States has a speciality. For the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the two leading fields of employment are the industries of agriculture and manufacturing. All four counties have a higher employment rate in manufacturing than the national average of 14.2%, making the region an effective area for both employers and employees. One such company that works in both the agricultural and the manufacturing field is Meridian Manufacturing. A Canadian company, Meridian Manufacturing helps provide goods and services throughout the of Iowa Lakes Corridor region . With their support, the region is growing economically, helping to maintain th...

Vroom Vroom

Monday, January 25, 2016

Originating in Estherville, Iowa, Aero Race Wheels of Iowa Lakes Corridor has been developing and producing quality racing wheels for over 20 years. Their dedication to the craft has led to their tires being used nationwide in a variety of competitions, including both dirt and asphalt races. Their tires are built to be reliable and fit for the best. Despite their nation-wide fame, they have not forgotten their roots in the local community around them. As investors in the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, they seek to help provide a safe, successful work environment. For more information on Aero Rac...

Proper Customer Service

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Alongside communication, customer service is one of the leading factors in what makes a business respectable. The foundation of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is built upon customers – potential businesses looking for partners, as well as community members looking for work. Without the support and loyalty of so many members throughout the Corridor region, Iowa Lakes CDC would be unable to show the incredible amount of economic success that they have. In return, they are completely dedicated to their customers. Both existing and potential customers are welcome to walk-in and ask any questions they might have, as well a...

The Spencer Quality Housing Initiative Grant

Monday, January 18, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is dedicated to helping the community in a variety of ways: they run and encourage a variety of employee training and workforce management programs, they assist businesses in finding site locations and partnerships, and they invest in the youth of the Iowa Lakes Corridor to ensure students are employable and skilled workers. Furthermore, to help encourage businesses and skilled workers to enter the region, Iowa Lakes CDC offers a variety of grants and loans to help with the purchase of site locations or housing. For information on a revolving loan funds plan for ...

An Industry for you

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor region is home to successful businesses throughout a variety of industries. These industries continue to grow, and with them, offer opportunities for expanding and starting businesses to enter into the field. What industries, might you ask? Well, for starters, Iowa is in the top three states for producers of wind energy. With Wind Turbines all over the state, the Iowa Lakes Corridor region remains successful due to the presence of WindTest and Anemometry Specialists, two leading companies in the field of renewable energy. Besides the energy business, Iowa Lakes Corridor houses successful companies in the Manufacturing...

Buena Vista County moves up the population ranks

Monday, January 11, 2016

Buena Vista County has jumped up three spots on the list of county population rankings since last year, according to a new study by the Iowa Association of Counties. The BV County Board of Supervisors reviewed the new numbers informally Monday morning before their regular meeting. Buena Vista County is the only one in the area to improve in the rankings, they found. Buena Vista climbed from 34th to 31st largest county in population, passing Carroll County, which remained unchanged at 32nd. In the area, Clay County is 46th highest, unchanged. Cherokee is 65th, Ida 93rd, and Pocahontas 91st, all dropping one position...

Words of Encouragement

Monday, January 11, 2016

Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can make the difference between success and failure. You can lose ten pounds, get that promotion, or find the life partner perfect for you with proper encouragement. Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation wants to let you know – you can start a business here. You can start a business and succeed – we believe in you. A few word of encouragements not enough? Take a look at the local success stories throughout the Corridor region. Take the Oak Hill Marina, for example. Started in 1992 as a little shop run by only the owne...

Employment Equilibrium

Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Across the United States, there are around 11 million unemployed citizens. On the opposing side of this, there are nearly 4 million jobs that are vacant, simply waiting for the right employee to take up the mantle. Why the discrepancy? Finding the appropriate employee, or employer, isn’t always easy. The problem is a lack of equilibrium between companies and their candidates; this isn’t the case with Iowa Lakes CDC. They bring companies and communities together, creating opportunities and communication. One method of creating opportunities has been to partner with the Iowa Workforce Development, their job listings found here: http://ow.ly/Vl5Fv. Thi...

A job for every situation

Monday, January 04, 2016

Life has a handful of things that everyone experiences – life, death, eating, taxes, and, hopefully, employment. Finding a job is rarely as simple as just walking into a store and starting to work; it requires time, dedication, and a little luck. For many, this is not enough. For veterans, disabled, or inexperienced workers, finding a job might seem impossible. Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation does their best to be equal-hire opportunists, providing jobs for everyone – including those limited by their situation. To find a list of opportunities that might be right for you, regardless of your situation, clic...

Be happy with work

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

According to research, over 80% of workers in the United States are at a job they don’t like. Over 3/4ths of the employed population are unhappy with their line of work. In the Iowa Lakes Corridor region of Iowa, businesses of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation want to find work that is an appropriate fit for potential employees. One such company, Polaris, prides themselves on having an employee base that also enjoys using their product. Likewise, Polaris branch of Iowa Lakes Corridor offers a variety of benefits for employees of all sorts of backgrounds, including tuition reimbursement for colleg...

A United Force

Monday, December 28, 2015

Thousands of years ago, early humans grouped up into tribes because they recognized something important – there is strength in numbers. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation unites the Corridor region for the same reason. The Board Members – those who guide the future of the Iowa Lakes Region – consist of 12 members from a variety of backgrounds and companies. Together, they are united to bring about a bright future for small and expanding business, communities, and the youth of growing generations. For more information on the Board Members of the Iowa Lakes CDC, or the opportunities available throughou...

A Sturdy Community

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

According to research, one of the key components to success is collaboration across and within communities. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is built upon collaboration across and within communities. Representing four counties within Iowa – Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet Counties – the Iowa Lakes CDC is working to create success throughout the region. They do this through bringing communities together to work towards similar goals, which has resulted in continuing success. One of their greatest achievements is displayed through the sheer number of small and expanding businesses in the Corridor region. Whether it is a local win...

Knowing is half the battle

Monday, December 21, 2015

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is a company dedicated to many things, one of which is creating an employable, skilled workforce. This means that they spend their time working with both employers and employees to find what is needed for workers to be properly trained, prepared, and interested in potential employment opportunities. While this consists of a variety of educational programs like Manufacturing 101 (http://ow.ly/Vl78B), or specific on the job training through the INJTP (http://ow.ly/Vl74L), it also means research. The Iowa Lakes CDC has done surveys and data collection projects in order to provide businesses with in-depth information abou...

The Success of Corridor Business

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Knowing the area is an important factor before starting or expanding a business. Are there experienced workers? Is the cost of living affordable? Are there interested customers? Are there affordable loans and tax exemptions? For those looking to spread into the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the answer to all of these questions is yes. Just take a look at the success experienced by a few other companies throughout the Corridor region. Okaboji Wines, a small company started in 1989 by Mark, Sheila, and Genie Reed, has gone from sales numbers of $90,000, to over $8.5 million in 2013. Having ...

IGL Teleconnecting the Corridor

Monday, December 14, 2015

As the business industry continues to expand, technology becomes an important component of success. Having the proper tools and services for internet connectivity, in particular, has been a leading factor in potential success for businesses within the Corridor region. IGL Teleconnect of the Iowa Lakes Corridor region supplies increasingly growing services as they strive to provide quality internet through all rural and urban communities in the Corridor region. Winners of the small business excellence award, IGL Teleconnect isn’t simply an ally that new businesses can depend on for success, but an example of the exceptional potential that can be foun...

A Regional Report

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

The research needed for moving somewhere desirable can take a lot of work, and, sometimes, it might seem like proper information is impossible to find. The members of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation want the process of moving to be as simple and painless as possible. With help from each of the four Counties Chamber of Commerce, as well as local governments, the Iowa Lakes Corridor region provides multiple programs to help relocation go smoothly and effectively. Likewise, Iowa Lakes Corridor does their best to provide interested parties with all sorts of information about the community. Their reports feature (Foun...

Take a chance on Iowa Lakes Corridor

Monday, December 07, 2015

Whether a recent college graduate, a full-time employee looking for a new job, or someone looking for work, a willingness to look beyond the local community provides an exponential amount of opportunities. While it may takes months – or years – to find a job within 25 miles of home, it may take significantly less time if applicants are willing to relocate. The businesses of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation have their doors wide open, encouraging applicants from all over to take a chance. With multiple job opportunities and organizations intended to help with relocation, the Iowa Lakes Corridor regio...

Comparing Costs of Living

Monday, November 30, 2015

Relocating to start or expand a business is full of unplanned costs – primarily the costs of finding new housing. As shown through the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, the lower the cost of living, the further a paycheck stretches. Having a base of employees able to afford the cost of living with affordable wages is incredibly beneficial - almost as beneficial as a stress-free environment is for a business owner. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation strives to make the Iowa Lakes Corridor is an affordable and wonderful place to live. Need more information to be convinced? Provided on thei...

Stressssssssss

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

The best cure for stress, of course, is to relax. But how does one relax? Without really understanding how to relax, relaxing can seem like an impossible task. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in environment. The Iowa Lakes Corridor region of Northern Iowa is filled with stimulating scenery, multiple job and housing opportunities, and a caring, helpful community. Don’t let stress ruin how you experience life; check out Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and find the environment perfect for a relaxing lifestyle. For their stress-free website, relax on over to this link: http://www.lakescorridor.com/ilcdc

Wonderfully Spacious

Monday, November 23, 2015

While large cities can provide a lot of jobs, they are crowded, have expensive living costs, and are lacking in scenery. With a combined population of 60,000, the Iowa Lakes Corridor region takes pride in delivering big-city amenities with the charm and space of rural communities. With diverse employment opportunities across a variety of employers, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation wants everyone to know that this isn’t simply a place to work, but the perfect place to live. For more information on why the Iowa Lakes Corridor region is the place to live, or how they can help wit...

Build from the Ground Up

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Regardless of where the phrase, “Build from the ground up” originated, Iowa Lakes Corridor likes to take this approach at developing the economy throughout the Corridor region. One of their most effective methods of developing is by providing an excellent education, creating a skilled workforce prepared to build and maintain successful businesses and communities. One such program provided by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is Manufacturing 101. In conjunction with IowaWORKS, Spencer High School, and Iowa Lakes Community College, Manufacturing 101 helps to provide individuals with the needed manufacturing, safety, human relations, and career skills for entering the fiel...

A Different Viewpoint

Monday, November 16, 2015

No matter how many times you watch a sunset over the Iowa Lakes, you will never see the same sunset as anyone else. No two people are the same, nor are their experiences, their mind, or the way they view the world. Having a diverse group of workers throughout the Corridor region allows innovation through different viewpoints. Many of the businesses in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region succeed because they embrace a diverse population. Iowa Lakes CDC embraces diversity in all forms of the word. Their organization consists of a diverse selection of businesses (both established and forming), a divers...

A Capital Investment

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The future of a business – or a potential business – comes down to one factor - money. Capital is required for startup or expanding business to purchase new buildings, merchandise, pay employees, and create business deals. Once the business has a foundation, it needs to pay for taxes, loans, and have enough income to support both the business owner, and the company’s costs of business. The Iowa Lakes CDC wants to make certain that starting a business – or expanding one – doesn’t feel impossible. To help, the Iowa Lakes Corridor region welcomes new and expanding businesses by providin...

Education is Important

Monday, November 09, 2015

Education is important – a lesson that we’ve all heard countless times before. But education isn’t simply learning how to read, write, or do math. As seen throughout the Corridor region, education is the process of creating individuals prepared for the workforce. Within the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, there are multiple programs and forms of education. For those looking to go to college, there is Buena Vista University (website here: http://www.bvu.edu/), with campus locations all over the state, including the Corridor region. For those looking to go a slightly cheaper route, there is the Iowa Lakes Community College (link here...

Perfect Scenery

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

The scenery in movies is always spectacular. They showcase long shots of the sun rising over a lake as far as the eye can see, with trees morphing through a rainbow’s worth of colors as the season shifts from summer to fall. It’s the perfect setting for a vacation or a romantic movie, but in Iowa Lakes Corridor, it can also be the perfect setting for life. The Iowa Lakes Corridor region gets its name from the spectacular lakes within the area. These lakes offer incredible scenery with a variety of opportunities for interested parties to both live and work...

Spousal Employment Network

Monday, November 02, 2015

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation doesn’t want to split up a marriage by offering work to only one member of a relationship. Through a volunteer program called the Spousal Employment Network, the Corridor region strives to provide employment to both members of a committed relationship. Don’t be one of the 3.75 million couples struggling with a long distance relationship; move to the Iowa Lakes Corridor region together and find employment for both parties. (For more information, click here: http://www.lakescorridor.com/ilcdc/jobs/jobs-center-new/spousal-employment).

Partners

Monday, October 26, 2015

The world is a scary place, filled with thousands of different businesses looking to succeed. Competing against these companies can feel impossible when it is the world against a single company – but it doesn’t have to be that way. In Northern Iowa, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is dedicated to creating a strong community throughout the region, both by developing a skilled workforce and through helping businesses succeed and expand. Working with multiple partners and investors, the Iowa Lakes CDC is an expert at working with businesses, not against them. Take the time to find a partner through Iow...

Radio Interview: Libby Glaser talks with Kevin Tlam on bringing young interns and talent to Clay County

Monday, October 26, 2015

Listen in as Libby Glaser, Events and Communications Coordinator, discusses the impact of college interns in our community and local businesses with KICD's Kevin Tlam.

Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internships bring interest, young talent to Spencer

Friday, October 23, 2015

Seven college students recently finished up their internships in Clay County through the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internship program this summer. Participating companies included: Noteboom Implement, Midwestern Mechanical, Inc., Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates, Eaton Corporation, Saga Communications/KICD, Crown Clinics and Northwest Bank. Interns participated in an extensive application and interview process. Once accepted into the program, interns were thoroughly involved in the companies during a 14 week period. Local businesses, like KICD, continue to use this program each summer because of the incredible talent the student’s bring to their businesses. “Our radio stations have participated in the Spencer Area Jobs Trus...

Economic Development and Growth

Monday, October 19, 2015

What does it mean to be economically developing or growing? Are they different? Along with a handful of partnerships, the primary goal of the Iowa Lakes CDC is to implement both economic development and growth. Priding themselves on their work ethic to help young students, developing workers, new business, and established businesses, Iowa Lakes CDC aims to provide opportunities for success. An award winning non-profit organization, the Iowa Lakes Corridor region will do their best to make sure the Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet counties are both economically growing and developing. For more information on their mission, goal, o...

Iowa Lakes Sites

Monday, October 12, 2015

The Iowa Lakes Corridor region of Northern Iowa has been consistently growing for over ten years. With a highly skilled work force, great housing options, and wonderful scenery, it is an excellent option for new and expanding businesses to relocate to. But finding site locations can be a frustrating process. Have no fear – Iowa Lakes CDC wants to make buying a new location simple. With the help of multiple organizations and tools, the Iowa Lakes CDC can provide all the information needed for deciding on a new building. There are multiple locations within the Green Fields Industrial sites, locate...

College for Veterans

Monday, October 05, 2015

Since 2001, over one million veterans have attended college with the help of the GI Bill. The GI Bill helped veterans pay for an education that allows them to be more equipped and prepared for returning to the workforce after years dedicated to a particular skillset. But going to college can be jarring. The environment of a college campus is filled with students who are, on average, younger than most veterans. Within the Home Base Iowa community is Emmet County and Iowa Lakes Community College. Iowa Lakes Community College is committed to providing a comfortable environment, a top-notch education, an...

Job Training

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

In a competitive work environment like that of the Iowa Lakes Corridor region, it can feel risky to train new employees. But having skilled, invested employees is essential to success. To help all businesses in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region find success, the Iowa Lakes CDC has partnered with Iowa’s New Job Training Program (INJTP). The INJTP specializes in helping companies train new employees. In conjunction with local colleges, this program certifies new workers for a variety of professions without pulling resources away from the employer. For more information on how Iowa Lakes Corridor can help your business an...

Veteran Employment

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Nationwide, the Veteran unemployment rate is 5.3%, but in Iowa, it is as low as 4.4%. Many Veterans dedicate years of their lives to learning specific skills that would enable them to better serve their country. Iowa Lakes CDC strives to provide opportunities for everyone, no matter how specific their skills might be. As a part of the Home Base Iowa program, the counties throughout the Iowa Lakes Corridor region are determined to help veterans find work - regardless of their situation. If you served your country, let Iowa Lakes Corridor serve you. For more information on what opportunities await you...

Accomplishing C3

Monday, September 07, 2015

Brought together in 1992, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has been working hard to help the Corridor region economically grow and develop. Since 1999, they’ve managed a slew of accomplishments, including: creating over 3,000 new jobs, completing over 84 projects, and bringing in over 40 new companies to the region (including this year, windtest, a new international branch of a German wind energy company). For more information on their accomplishments, look over here: http://www.lakescorridor.com/ilcdc/get-to-know-us/goals-and-objectives The Iowa Lakes CDC isn’t done yet. Over the next year, they are continuing work on C3, their massive 3 year plan to help the regio...

The First

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Being the first can be risky business; while it might be beneficial, it is often filled with unknown factors that can be frightening to deal with. But moving or starting a business within the Iowa Lakes Corridor region? That isn’t risky at all. Businesses have been developing and growing throughout the region’s four counties for years. Take a look at the success Corridor companies Polaris, Rembrandt, Tecton, or Alero Renewables have had. Someone else has already been the first to take the risk with the Iowa Lakes CDC, and they’ve shown one thing – Iowa Lakes Corridor provides opportunities.

Dickinson County seeks to join Home Base Iowa Initiative

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Iowa Lakes Corridor hopes Dickinson County is soon an attractive destination for military veterans. Efforts are underway to designate the northwest Iowa county as a "Home Base Iowa" county. In 2013, Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds created the Home Base Iowa program to help veterans adjust to life following military service. Two northwest Iowa counties -- Clay and Emmet -- have already achieved Home Base designation. Home Base Iowa counties make benefits available for veterans including job opportunities, housing or rental assistance and incentive packages. "I think it is very important to work on this initiative, bringing it to th...

The Opportunities of Iowa Lakes Corridor

Monday, August 24, 2015

Did you know that Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, was born in Iowa and was the first president born west of the Mississippi river? Or that the Iowa Lakes Corridor region has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation? Or that the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation offers a variety of loans and grants for those looking to work or live in the region? If not, it may be possible that you didn’t know that Iowa is at the center of a growing economy, filled to the brim with fantastic educational opportunities, a growing job market, and a handfu...

Iowa Lakes Corridor honored for spurring ecnomic growth, creating jobs in northwest Iowa

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is being honored with Iowa Farm Bureau’s second ‘Inspiring Community Growth Award’ for its efforts growing existing businesses and fostering entrepreneurial development in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet Counties and has played an instrumental role in the area’s economic vitality. “The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is a great success story for economic development in northwest Iowa,” said Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Economic Development Administrator Sandy Ehrig. “From helping youth understand and appreciate entrepreneurship an...

HELP WANTED: Part-Time Bookkeeper

Monday, June 22, 2015

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation Part-time Bookkeeper The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is seeking a Part-Time Bookkeeper to start tentatively August 1st. The Part-time Bookkeeper obtains revenue and pays invoices by verifying and completing payable and receivable transactions. Requirements: Experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general bookkeeping Familiarity with QuickBooks Good phone and interpersonal skills Accounts Receivable Payable Clerk Job Duties: · Prepares work to be accomplished by gathering and sorting documents and related information. · Pays invoices by verifying transaction information; scheduling and preparing disbursements; obtaining authorization of payment. · Obtains revenue by verifying transaction information; computing charges and refunds; preparing and mailing invoices...

Estherville councilman honored for contributions to economy

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

City councilman Larry Anderson is one of two winners of the inaugural Public Champion of Economic Development Award from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. Representatives of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation presented the award at the Estherville City Council meeting Monday. The Board of Directors of the development corporation created the Public Champion of Economic Development award to recognize the invaluable contributions local elected officials make to economic growth. Monday’s presentation coincided with Public Service Recognition Week May 3-9. “Through their leadership, policymaking and advocacy, city and county officials in northwest Iowa help sustain and build the economy every day,&rdquo...

Local Communications Provider, IGL TeleConnect, Acquires Webb Wireless

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

For the past 11 years, Webb Wireless of Webb, IA has had the pleasure of providing reliable and affordable internet service to rural and small-town homes and businesses. Those services were recently transitioned to IGL TeleConnect and Webb Wireless customers became a part of the IGL subscriber family. Located at 1713 McNaughton Way in Spencer, IGL TeleConnect is a local communications provider to the Iowa Great Lakes and surrounding communities, and a recent recipient of the 2014 Small Business Excellence Award as voted by their peers within the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. IGL TeleConnect’s coverage zone now extends throughout th...

Kiley Miller earns Certified Economic Developer Designation

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and the International Economic Development (IEDC) council announce that Kiley Miller has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Miller serves as President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. He completed the CEcD examination administered by the IEDC January 24-25, 2015 in Palm Beach County, Florida. The CEcD designation is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Candidates must pass a rigorous an...

Iowa Lakes Corridor honoring public champions of economic development

Friday, January 30, 2015

In support of Public Service Recognition Week May 3-9, 2015, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is seeking nominations for the inaugural Public Champion of Economic Development Award. Corridor investors and the public are invited to nominate elected city or county officials from Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet Counties for this award, which recognizes the critical role government leaders play in economic development. One city and one county official will be honored. “Northwest Iowa is fortunate to have strong, talented and committed public officials working on behalf of area businesses every day,” said Steve Pick, Chairman of the Iowa Lakes Corrido...

Libby Glaser elected to Young Professionals of Iowa Executive Board

Friday, January 02, 2015

SPENCER— The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is proud to announce that Libby Glaser, Communications and Events Coordinator, has been elected to the executive board of Young Professionals of Iowa. Glaser is the first board member elected from the Corridor region. “I’m very excited and honored to have been elected to the Young Professionals of Iowa board,” said Glaser. “I look forward to learning more about young professional groups around the state of Iowa and I’m excited to bring new practices back to the Corridor region to serve our local young professionals as well.” Glaser, 22, moved to the Corridor area i...

Iowa Lakes Corridor wins two Mid-America Economic Development Council Awards

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation captured two awards at the Mid-American Economic Development Council Conference & Site Selector Forum earlier this month. Iowa Lakes Corridor took 1st place for Best Workforce Development program and Best Annual Report in the small organization category, which included economic development groups with annual marketing budgets of less than $100,000. “The Mid-American Economic Development Council is one of the premier economic development organizations in the nation and we are very proud to earn their accolades,” said Kiley Miller, CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. “These honors are further indication of the hard work an...

Jonna Garrett joins the Corridor

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Jonna Garrett has joined the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation staff as the new Business Education Partnership Professional. She is responsible for Business Education Partnerships with businesses and schools in Dickinson, Emmet, Clay and Buena Vista Counties. Garrett moved to the Iowa Lakes region in August 2014 with her family. She brings twenty-five years experience working in Health and Clinical Education. Prior to joining Iowa Lakes Corridor, Garrett worked as a Clinical Educator for Agnesian Healthcare in Wisconsin, where she developed education programs, created business processes and trained nursing staff. One of her greatest joys of working as a Clinical Educato...

New Lending Fund for Housing Unveiled

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, Community Housing Initiatives, area lenders and large employers announce the launch of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Housing Fund. Created to promote the development of quality housing that is affordable to workers in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet Counties in Iowa, the fund will encourage construction of new housing and rehabilitation of existing homes and apartments by providing low-interest loans to developers in partnership with area lenders. Partners in the fund include Bank Midwest, Community State Bank & Insurance, Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, and Northwest Bank. Other area businesses have also committed to invest. “Business leader...

Biochem tax credit pitched by economic agency

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Article By: The Des Moines Register | Matthew Patane The state's economic development agency will pitch a new tax credit aimed at biochemical production during Iowa's next legislative session, which begins in January. The tax credit would be geared toward companies that use chemicals derived from ethanol production, but are not used for fuel. "This credit would explicitly exclude the production of biodiesel and ethanol," Tim Whipple, general counsel for the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board, said. "We have incentives for that already. We don't need any additional." For example, companies producing ethanol or other fuels from corn also produce a lot o...

UI officials tout economic development initiatives

Monday, October 20, 2014

Article By: IowaNow | Stephen Pradarelli University of Iowa officials on Monday spelled out the university’s collective efforts for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, cultivating Iowa’s workforce, and putting the state on the path to economic prosperity. In opening remarks, UI President Sally Mason said that since appending “economic development” to the role of the vice president for research four years ago, the UI has made tremendous strides. “I think you’ll tonight see how deeply the University of Iowa is committed to economic prosperity for all Iowans by accelerating business and developing the state’s workforce,” she said. UI Vice President for Research and Economi...

Iowa Lakes Corridor’s “Manufacturing 101” to host Media Open House

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will be hosting a Media Open House to discuss their Adult Manufacturing 101 program for career changers. The Media Open House will take place on Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30pm – 6:45pm in the Industrial Technology Building at Spencer High School. "Manufacturing 101 is a great public/private partnership between several manufacturing employers in this region, Iowa Lakes Corridor, IowaWORKS, and Iowa Lakes Community College,” said Kiley Miller, Iowa Lakes Corridor’s President and CEO. “The goals are to increase the availability of skilled workers and for more people to land a good job.” Manufacturing 101 was created i...

Pure Fishing Job Fair

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Pure Fishing, a world leader in the fishing tackle industry, is holding an onsite Job Fair this week on Thursday, October 9 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Openings include: 2nd shift Supervisors, Team Leads and Maintenance. Pure Fishing will do on-site interviews for qualified candidates. Pure Fishing is located at 1900 18th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360. For more information, contact Jodi Pottorff at jkpottorff@purefishing.com, or call her at 712-336-1520, ext. 8551.

Local Architecture Firm Wins National Award for Best Places to Work

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

ZweigWhite is proud to announce the winners of the Best Firms To Work For Ranking. Since the Best Firms To Work For list began in 2001, hundreds of outstanding architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms (across the United States and Canada) have been recognized for their ability to inspire their teams to perform at the highest levels. These firms create an environment where their people feel valued, can make a difference, and can clearly see their contribution to the overall mission and success of the firm. The winners were celebrated at the Hot Firm and A/E Industry Awards Conference held at th...

Simonsen Iron Works to host job fair

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Contract Manufacturing Company, Simonsen Iron Works, is seeing tremendous demand for its services. The growing, family owned business will be holding a job fair on October 4th, 2014. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., applications will be taken, interviews will be conducted, lunch will be provided to applicants, and factory tours will be available. The SIW job fair will be located at the Simonsen Iron Works facility, 1701 38th Avenue, West, Spencer, IA 51301. Established in 1906, Simonsen Iron Works is a fully integrated, state-of-the-art, advanced manufacturing operation. SIW specializes in Contract Manufacturing and is abundantly versatile, featuring a variety o...

Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internships come to a close

Monday, September 29, 2014

Spencer-area college students recently finished up their summer internships through the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Internship program. Erik Forslund, Nicholas O’Brien, Cara Vale and Jordan Stief all participated in the internship program this summer. Participating companies included: Carey’s Electronics, Crown Clinics, LLC, Northwest Bank and Sackett Law Firm. Interns participated in an extensive application and interview process. Once accepted into the program, interns were thoroughly involved in the companies during a 14 week period. Internship duties required independent judgment, creativity, and intelligence to complete and contribute to the business’s goals or processes. Interns were required to work a minimum of 3...

Farmers Trust & Savings Bank Named as Iowa Finance Authority Top Iowa Lender

Monday, September 22, 2014

The Iowa Finance Authority recently recognized Farmers Trust & Savings Bank and 23 other outstanding lenders throughout the state for their efforts in advancing affordable homeownership through the Iowa Finance Authority’s programs in 2013.

Innovation Pavilion Set for the Clay County Fair

Thursday, August 28, 2014

The third annual Innovation Pavilion will take place at the 2014 Clay County Fair. Sponsored by the Iowa Lakes Corridor, various companies will showcase their innovative products in the hopes of "making it big." The Innovation Pavilion is located approximately one block south of the Branding Iron. “The Iowa Lakes Corridor Innovation Pavilion provides entrepreneurs and inventors an opportunity to get their products in front of over 310,000 pairs of eyes,” states Brian Dalziel, Senior Vice President of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. “It’s an opportunity for them to assess the quality of the market, to test price points, an...

Manufacturing 101 Workshop to take place this fall

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is rolling out a third Manufacturing 101 workshop this fall. The workshop will take place on nights and weekends, starting Tuesday, September 16th - Thursday, November 20th. All classes will be held at night on Tuesdays and Thursdays with occasional Saturday classes from 6:30am - 2:30pm to replicate a traditional manufacturing work period. "This training is in response to the significant hiring underway and projected for the next several years by employers in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region," said Kiley Miller, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. "The summer sessions of Manufacturing 10...

Great Lakes Communication Corp. Unveils State-of-the-Art Data Center in Northwest Iowa

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Great Lakes Communication Corp. (GLCC), will host a grand opening of their new data center on Highway 9 outside of Lake Park on August 21st at 8:00 am on Thursday. Governor Branstad will be in attendance and the public is invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at the structure and learn more about the company. Coffee and doughnuts will be served. Founded in 2005, GLCC is a family-owned competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) that offers telecommunication services for conference call providers worldwide, along with voice and data services for enterprise customers and carriers. GLCC, under its retail trade name IGL TeleConnect®...

Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

9th Annual Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute Set for August 3-8 SPENCER— The ninth annual Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute is scheduled to take place August 3-8, at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake Okoboji. 32 students from five of Iowa’s colleges and universities will be participating in this opportunity. The students in attendance will have an advanced study of entrepreneurship through an entrepreneurial simulation. Seminars during the week will educate students about networking and entrepreneurship opportunities in Iowa. The Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute is a joint effort of the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Buen...

Corridor Elects Officers, New Directors

Friday, July 25, 2014

Corridor Elects New Board Members and Officers SPENCER— The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation announced new officers and members have been elected for fiscal year 2014-2015, beginning July 1st. The new officers include: Steve Pick, Chair, Spencer Municipal Utilities, Spencer; Val Newhouse, Vice Chair, Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville; and Barry Sackett, Treasurer, Sackett Law Firm, Milford. New board members were also elected onto the board starting July 1st. ILCDC’s new members include Jason Nelson, Polaris Industries, Milford; Russ Dierenfield, The Hillshire Brands, Storm Lake; and Penny Clayton, City of Estherville, Estherville. David Woodcock, Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Spencer, was electe...

Corridor Announces Hiring of New President and CEO, Kiley Miller

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has announced the hiring of Kiley Miller as its new President and CEO. Miller is currently the Executive Vice President of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance in southeast Iowa. He will be replacing the Corridor’s current President and CEO, Kathy Evert, who announced her resignation earlier this year. Evert has led the regional economic develop organization – which serves Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties – for the past nine years. “Kiley was hired following a comprehensive search and candidate evaluation process over the past six months,” said Corridor Board Chair Steve Pick. “...

Young Professionals Intern Spotlight: Mary Halbur

Monday, June 30, 2014

Young Professionals Intern Spotlight: Mary Halbur This week’s Young Professionals Spotlight features a Corridor intern. Mary Halbur, 22, is a University of Iowa graduate from Ames, IA. Halbur graduated with a degree in Speech and Hearing Science, a minor in Human Relations and a certificate in Disability Studies. Although she will attend St. Cloud State University next fall to receive her Masters in Applied Behavioral Science, Halbur is currently interning this summer at the Iowa State Extension and Outreach Office of Clay County in Spencer as their K-3 STEM Programming Intern. “Right now, I have been planning, coordinating, and facilitating th...

Manufacturing 101 Spotlight: Temi Otaniyi

Thursday, June 19, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is conducting the June session of the Manufacturing 101 workshop, and Temi Otaniyi, a participant in the program, is making great strides to further his career in manufacturing. Otaniyi is a Spencer resident who is originally from Nigeria. Otaniyi lived in the US for a couple of years, and although he loves the Corridor and enjoys raising his family here with his wife, he's struggled to finish his degree and find full-time employment. "I came to the US as an international student to go to college,” said Otaniyi. “I went to SW Oklahoma State and studied Compute...

APEX Inc breaks ground on new indoor shooting facility

Friday, June 06, 2014

FastTrac alumni Michelle Newgard is breaking ground on a new indoor shooting range in the Corridor. Newgard participated in the Corridor’s entrepreneurial workshop series last year to bring new insight and education to her company, APEX Inc., a manufacturing company that constructs hand guns, rifles and shot guns. APEX Inc. was created in 2010 as a one-stop shop for local firearms, and now Newgard feels the time is right to expand. “I’ve became involved in shooting sports at a young age,” said Newgard. “I thought the area needed an indoor firing range for locals to practice shooting in a safe environment...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Andy Van Engen

Thursday, June 05, 2014

Andy Van Engen, 35, is the Corridor’s next Young Professionals Spotlight. Van Engen was born and raised in Spencer and attended The Creative Center Art College in Omaha to study graphic design. He stayed there for 11 years, and during that time, Van Engen freelanced and also worked full-time. Van Engen did most of his freelance work for ad agencies, corporations, and churches, but decided to move back to the Corridor three years ago. He now works as the Art Director and Strategist at F8 Creative in Spencer. “I decided to come back to Spencer to be closer to family, and figure...

Scott Rettey to lead Corridor’s “Manufacturing 101” program

Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Scott Rettey has joined the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation staff. Rettey’s role at the Corridor will involve teaching the upcoming Manufacturing 101 program, both in June and July, and coordinating a high-school manufacturing academy planned for 2015 Rettey graduated from St. Cloud State in 1978, and he received his Masters in Industrial Education and Manufacturing soon after. Rettey has worked at Spencer High School teaching industrial education courses, working with students and staff members interested in the industrial, engineering and manufacturing industries. Rettey will retire from Spencer High School this summer, and he is looking forward to teaching a much-nee...

German Wind Energy Company Locating in Estherville

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Upon being introduced to a German wind energy company over four years ago at the nation’s largest wind energy trade show in Dallas, the company has chosen to locate in the Iowa Lakes Corridor. windtest of Grevenbroich, Germany, has established their North American company and opening their North American headquarters in Estherville, Iowa this summer. Kathy Evert, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, is very excited about this decision for the region and for Iowa. windtest, in the market since 1996, has established itself internationally as an accredited measuring and testing institute and made its name worldwid...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Libby Glaser

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Today’s post is very bittersweet for me (more bitter than sweet). Friday will be my last day at the Corridor. :( I am moving back to Des Moines this weekend to be closer to my family…which means this is my very last blog post as a member of the Corridor (yes, I’ll be crying throughout the entire writing process). On a happier note, Libby Glaser has joined our staff as the new “me.” Libby started last Tuesday as the new Communications & Events Coordinator and has been thrown right into all the madness of events season. She is a recent graduate of the University o...

Crown Clinics wins People's Choice Award

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Sue Brugman, President of Crown Clinics, won the Dream Big Grow Here People’s Choice Award at EntreFEST in Iowa City last week. Hundreds of people gathered at the Englert Theatre to attend the statewide pitch-off event and to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in Iowa. Brugman won the Iowa Lakes Corridor regional Dream Big Grow Here competition in November of 2013 and went on to compete at the statewide level. Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds presented Brugman with the award on May 15. “We congratulate Sue on winning the People’s Choice Award and thank her for investing and starting this business in th...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Heather Curry

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Happy warm weather, everyone! It’s about time we had some nice temperatures stick around for a few days. I hope you all had a good time at our YP event last Friday at Okoboji Classic Cars! Luckily, we’re keeping the fun events coming. Our next YP gathering will be Saturday, May 31 at East Leach Park in Spencer. This is going to be a fun-filled afternoon of BBQ-ing, lawn games and much more. :) Plan to arrive between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Today, we’re going to hear (I just typed ‘here’…how embarrassing) from Heather Curry, a 23 year old Strategic Management Specialist, De...

Corridor launches Manufacturing 101

Friday, May 16, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is sponsoring Manufacturing 101: Learn to Earn, short courses designed for adults and 2014 high school graduates. There will be two, three-week sessions offered this summer; one beginning June 9 and one on July 7. There is no cost for participation. Fifteen spots are allotted for each of the sessions, totaling 30 adult students. A person must be 18 years of age and have completed their senior year of high school. Manufacturing 101 will emphasize assisting individuals in a respectful, adult-learning setting where they will learn the manufacturing, human relations, career and safety skills neede...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Brad Jungers

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

We are rockin’ and rollin’ on these spotlights, and they’re getting lots of good attention. So, thank you for all your “likes” and “shares” each week. The Corridor appreciates your help in spreading the word about good jobs, people and life here in our region. YP NOTICE: We have an event this Friday, May 16th at Okoboji Classic Cars at 6:30 p.m. (if you haven’t checked out OCC yet, click here; it’s awesome). Young professionals from all over the Corridor region are invited, and please bring a friend! We love meeting newbies. :) Back to the post.. Today, we’re featuring Brad Jungers o...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Kristi Davis

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Can you believe it’s May 7th already? I was graduating from college one year ago…I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. Aaand what does May bring? Busy, busy, busy schedules. We are working away here at the Corridor, planning programs, events and promotions like crazy people. Throughout the madness, I am still able to meet with my youngsters. Today’s story focuses on Kristi Davis. Kristi, a 22 year old Storm Lake-ian (just made that word up), has lived in the Corridor region her entire life. She currently works for Storm Lake United, the local Chamber of Commerce, and has don...

Iowa Lakes Corridor receives award for Business Retention & Expansion efforts

Monday, May 05, 2014

The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) honored various economic development organizations throughout the state during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 1. The Iowa Lakes Corridor received the Single Project Expansion Award for the growth and development of Polaris Industries in Milford. The PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies. Corridor staff has had a long-standing working relationship with Polaris Industries. Since locating in Spirit Lake in 1994, Polaris has expanded its Spirit Lake facility fou...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Dave Christensen

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

We have some very exciting news on the YP front! Okoboji Classic Cars will be hosting our group on Friday, May 16th at 6:30. Toby Shine is thrilled to have some youngsters in the building in order to get to know the next generation residing in the Corridor region. If you’re not part of the group and would like some more information, please feel free to email me (aguessford@lakescorridor.com) with any questions you may have! Today’s spotlight focuses on an Albert City native who returned to his hometown after completing college at Iowa State University. Dave Christensen, a 25 year old Ranco Engineer...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Dave Christensen

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Young Professionals Spotlight: Cody Steinkamp

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Wednesday is quickly becoming my new favorite day of the week (and not for the reason you’re thinking – the “Hump Day” thing drives me bonkers). But..the YP Spotlight is published every Wednesday and that’s 10 times cooler. Meeting all these young people, listening to their stories and sharing them with you has been a real treat so far. Today, we have a very special celebration. Cody Steinkamp, a Spencer native, is celebrating his 22nd birthday. I’m not sure how we managed to sync the two but I feel pretty cool about it. So, if you wouldn’t mind, please help me in wishing Mr...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Cody Steinkamp

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Young Professionals Spotlight: Kristen Morrison

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

There’s a YP event tonight! Spencer Bowl is going to be hoppin’ with youngsters starting at 5:30. You’re more than welcome to join if you’d like a mid-week break. The cost is $6, and that gets you $0.25 games, $2.50 beer & free shoes. There should be another good crowd attending this one, so feel free to head on out. Back to the Spotlight.. Kristen Morrison, the Store Manager of Maurices in Spencer, had coffee with me a few weeks ago. She’s new to the area and is extremely interested in being involved with a group of young professionals. Well, ...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Kristen Morrison

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Polaris Job Fair - April 24, 2014

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Young Professionals Spotlight: Brad Veit

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Our first Young Professionals event took place last Friday..and it was a HIT! YPs came out of the woodwork for a chance to meet others similar in age. Who knew so many of us lived in the region? Not I. It was a pleasant surprise, to say the least. :) Anywho, one of the YPs that made an appearance was Brad Veit of Iowa Lakes Regional Water (ILRW). He attended with fiance in hand (you might remember her from a few posts back..) and socializing on his mind. Brad is different than others I have spoken with; he’s originally from Spencer, wen...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Elissa Barrick

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Young Professionals, round 5. Do fights (or anything) go into the fifth round? My lack of boxing knowledge is just plain embarrassing. Thankfully, this series isn’t a battle, but to continue with the pun…Entering the ring this week is Elissa Barrick of Shine Brothers. (Sidebar: if you’re a young professional in the area and would like to meet others in that same age group, check out this article! We’re having a small, informal gathering this Friday, April 4th at 5:30 at the Bear in Spencer. We’d love to have you!) :)Elissa, a 25 year old Human Resources professional, has lived in Spencer sinc...

Corridor participates in BEST of Iowa interviews

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has begun its 2014 Business Expansion & Strategic Trends (BEST) of Iowa interviews, previously known in the Corridor as the Existing Industry Call Program. BEST of Iowa is a strategic partnership that will provide a state-wide existing business strategy. This is the sixth annual BEST of Iowa effort. The Corridor has conducted these interviews for the past eight years. The program is used to identify opportunities for growth, potential threats to retain jobs and any impediments that discourage local expansion. Economic development organizations are dedicated to collecting this data for the betterment of the state...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Amanda Doar

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

It’s Wednesday; you know what that means – YP Spotlight time! As many of you heard, the Corridor has started a Young Professionals Spotlight series in order to give attention to adults ages 18-30. This week marks the third YP in the series, Amanda Doar. Amanda is a 25 year old Marketing/Event Coordinator for the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer. Originally from the Twin Cities, Amanda moved to the Corridor region after graduating from Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU) where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Hospitality. By double majoring, she was better able to broaden he...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Tara Lehner

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Thank you to those who read the first post in the Young Professionals Spotlight. This series is going to be fun (especially for me)! Getting to speak with a bunch of people similar to my age is a great way to connect and form new friends. Pretty soon you’ll be seeing young professionals everywhere! Next up on the docket is Tara Lehner. Tara, a 23 year old Le Mars native, is the graphic designer for Lakes Print in Spirit Lake. She thrives on all the opportunities that exists in the Corridor area. I spoke with Tara last week to get ...

Young Professionals Spotlight: Studio.1328

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Young professionals in the Corridor region are on the rise. Being one of these individuals, myself, the Corridor believes it is important to highlight all the awesome, successful people living in the area. So, without further ado, I present you with Jennifer Moeller. Jen is the owner of Studio.1328 and MoneySaver Magazine. At only 24 years old, she has really made a name for herself up in the Spirit Lake area. Photography and design have been her creative outlets ever since she made the big move up north last year. “I worked at an architecture firm in Ames for a year afte...

Spirit Lake, Spencer named Top Micropolitans of 2013

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Spirit Lake and Spencer, Iowa have recently been named on the 2013 Top Micropolitans (by number of projects) list by Site Selection magazine. Spirit Lake is tied at 41st place with three projects, while Spencer is tied at 70th with two projects. The US Census Bureau designates a micropolitan area as a non-urban community anchored by a town of at least 10,000 but no more than 50,000 people. According to the Census Bureau, there are 576 micropolitan areas in the country. Expansions in Spirit Lake/Dickinson County included Rembrandt Enterprises’ corporate offices, Polaris Industries (Milford expansion) and Brownmed. The expansions of Shine Bros...

Little Mavs Reaches its Six Month Milestone

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll ever get out of these freezing temperatures. On a warmer note, I had a wonderful discussion with Tanya Ecker of Little Mavs Child Care Center on Monday, and am excited to share all of the success it has been having with you. Little Mavs has recently reached its 6-month milestone. The center, based out of Everly and Royal, provides childcare services for children ranging from ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Each center has three classrooms: infant (6 weeks – 24 months), preschool (24 months – 5/6 years) and school aged (6 &ndash...

"The Success or Failure of your Business is NOT Tied to your Personal Wealth"

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Last night marked the second session for Prepare to Launch, an entrepreneurial workshop series, that takes place on Tuesday evenings in our Corridor office. I had a chance to meet with Tina Sherrill-Range (of our office) today, who is taking the series for herself. Tina joined our staff in July after working 30 years in an educational setting. She recently opened her own business in Arnolds Park, the Okoboji Mercantile (native Iowa wines & antiques), and also works for us part-time. As if running The Merc, as she calls it, and working for the Corridor isn’t enough, Tina decided to participat...

Internship Opportunities Galore!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Well, it’s about that time again…internship season. Students everywhere are beginning to look for and secure internships. We have some awesome services for everyone to get involved with. If you are seeking an internship, feel free to visit our website and check out what companies have available this upcoming season. This is also a chance for you, the student, to upload a resume for potential employers to view. Employers – you can visit this page, as well. Here, you will find available job candidates/interns to fill your positions. Seems like a win-win to me! At the Corridor, we strive to make interns fee...

75 Quotes to Invigorate the Success of Your Business

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

A big part of what we do here at the Corridor is to help entrepreneurs and start-up companies. Starting a business can be a bumpy ride, and it can easily leave you feeling discouraged in a matter of minutes. It’s fun, exciting, scary, frustrating, and ranges anywhere in between. There will be days when you may want to throw in the towel and call it quits. Quotes help me in my personal life all the time (I have many of them taped on my desk as daily reminders). So, I thought I’d share the most influential and motivational quotes I hav...

Underwater Solutions Prepared to Launch, Will You?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Prepare to Launch is upon us. Before we know it, entrepreneurs will be learning the steps it takes to successfully turn a business concept into a reality. That’s pretty darn cool, if you ask me. Where else in the Corridor region can you go to get hands-on help like this to boost your startup? It’s a good thing we have Brian Dalziel to facilitate these bad boys; he will get you headed in the right direction. In year’s past, Prepare to Launch had a different name and curriculum. This year, Brian has structured it as such to reflect the best possibl...

Winter Blues? No Way!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Can you believe we only have a week left of January? I swear the older I get the faster time goes; I can’t imagine how quickly it will pass by when I’m in my 40s! The good news about January coming to an end is spring will be here before we know it. To keep you busy during these next few dreary months, check out some of the fun activities that are taking place all over the Corridor region! University of Okoboji Winter Games This weekend, January 24-26, the 2014 Winter Games will take place in Okoboji. I have never attended thi...

Are YOU Prepared to Launch?

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Are YOU prepared to launch? I’m guessing some of you are reading this with a very confused look on your face; rightfully so. Prepare to Launch, an entrepreneurial training workshop series, is a new program that is scheduled to take place this Spring right here at the Corridor office. February 11th will mark the start of a 10-week, 30-hour boot camp facilitated by Brian Dalziel, the Senior VP of our crew. For 3 hours each Tuesday evening, entrepreneurs will learn the ins and outs of starting a business. Would you like to gain some invaluable knowledge to help kick-start your company? Prepar...

Cost of Living Index to take place later this week

Monday, January 13, 2014

Later this week, January 16-18, the Iowa Lakes Corridor staff will gather data from local stores to compile a Cost of Living Index (COLI) for the communities it serves. The COLI is the most reliable source of city-to-city comparisons of consumer costs. Its purpose is to provide a useful and accurate measure of various costs among urban areas and make that information available to the community. The index has five key areas: food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services. These items have been carefully chosen to reflect different categories of consumer expenditures. Prices are collected at a specific time...

Entrepreneurial Workshop Series Starting in February

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

The Iowa Lakes Corridor will be hosting a series of entrepreneurial workshops, entitled Prepare to Launch. This program is a 10-week, 30-hour training boot camp facilitated by Brian Dalziel, Senior Vice President of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. Prepare to Launch will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. from February 11 – April 15, 2014 at the Corridor office (520 2nd Avenue E., Spencer). The cost of these ten 3-hour workshops is $199.00. Prepare to Launch provides the tools to develop a business concept, recruit partners, advisors and employees, determine the viability of a business idea and to pla...

Polaris Industries 2013 Manufacturer of the Year

Tuesday, January 07, 2014

While the motorcycle market has struggled during the past half-decade, Polaris Industries has enjoyed unprecedented success, and by all accounts 2013 will be another banner year. Sales, revenue and profits are all at record levels – fueled by its continued dominance of the domestic UTV market, as well as strong growth internationally. Polaris got a lot done in 2013, breaching new sales and revenue records thanks to its thriving UTV business. But the Minnesota-based company also re-launched the Indian marque with an impressive 2014 model year. In the third quarter Polaris sales exceeded $1 billion, a first for the company and sign o...

Development partnership aims to blur Nebraska, Iowa boundaries

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Article By: Omaha.com | Steve Jordon Communities on both sides of the Missouri River near Omaha are on the verge of a unique economic development effort that would span boundaries and benefit both states. The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership would add members from Iowa to market communities, encourage entrepreneurs, help existing businesses grow and recruit new employers. If it happens, a nationally known economic developer said Monday, the Omaha/Council Bluffs/Nebraska/Iowa region would be the nation's first full-service economic development network across state lines. That true regional effort would match the ideas of businesses and employees who don't care about governmental divisions but wan...

Development Group Honors Iowa Great Lakes Businesses

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Article By: Sioux City Journal | Dave Dreeszen SPENCER, Iowa | The Iowa Lakes Corridor held its fourth annual Business Recognition on Nov. 20 at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer. In addition to showing appreciation for local business and industry, three business awards were given in the following categories: Small Business Excellence (30 employees or fewer), Large Business Excellence (more than 30 employees) and Entrepreneur of the Year. Nominations were sought by the corridor and then given to a judging committee composed of business and community leaders. This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Doug and Amy Skinne...

Gift Guide: Numero 3

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Cool Catz Pottery Studio Take it from me; this place rocks! I’ve made both my parents a masterpiece, if you will, throughout my time in college. It’s the perfect gift idea because of the creative and personal touch that you can give to the pottery. If you’re unsure of the process, I’ll explain. First, make your way to Storm Lake and look for Santa’s Castle (Cool Catz is right by there). Once you walk in, you may be overwhelmed with all the pieces to choose from. I’d recommend choosing one with a flat surface if it’s your first time. Next i...

Evolution of Online Economic Development: Iowa Lakes Corridor Site Released

Monday, December 09, 2013

Blog by: Ron Kresha | Golden Shovel Agency This week the Iowa Lakes Development Corporation (http://lakescorridor.com/ilcdc) published their new site which serves as a template for how regional economic development groups can harness the power of visually stunning websites and social media. As recently as three or four years ago, many regional economic development groups simply used their website as an online brochure. Many economic development corporations viewed the purpose of their website as a tool to communicate with board members and local officials The Iowa Lakes Regional Development site demonstrates how economic development sites have turned from an inward focus t...

Made in the Corridor: Gift Guide

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

It’s round 2, ladies and gents… Sorry for not posting last week; I was a little under the weather. That being said, I hope all of you are staying healthy as the cold & flu season takes over. Arts on Grand There are many fun things happening in the near future at Arts on Grand. On Monday, December 9, from 6-8 p.m. Grand Meander will be taking place. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting the public in the front window. The Alexander Brothers Piano Trio (David Ray, John Douglas, William Emerson) will be playing during this time, as well. PLUS, ther...

In Iowa, Wind Energy Helps Avoid 8.4 Million Tons of Carbon Emissions

Monday, December 02, 2013

Originally published on Climate Progress | Kiley Kroch Iowa’s hugely successful wind industry isn’t just an economic driver, it’s having a major impact on cutting pollution and saving water. Wind energy generation in Iowa avoids more than 8.4 million metric tons of climate-altering carbon pollution — the equivalent of taking 1.7 million cars off the road, according to a new report released by Environment Iowa. Additionally, the report found that wind energy saves Iowans nearly 3.8 billion gallons of water per year, enough to meet the needs of over 158,000 people. The U.S. National Drought Monitor shows a significant portion of th...

Iowa joins federal effort to make rooftop solar systems more affordable to businesses, homeowners

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Article By: DeMoines Register.com | Donelle Eller Iowa received $1.03 million in federal funding to make it easier for homeowners and businesses to adopt rooftop solar systems, state and federal leaders said today. The Iowa Economic Development Authority is one of eight teams sharing about $12 million to streamline and standardize solar permitting, zoning, metering and connection process for communities across the country through the Rooftop Solar Challenge, the U.S. Energy Department said today. “Iowa has real potential to generate solar energy as another alternative fuel source,” sai Gov. Terry Branstad said in a news statement. “As a leader in wind energy an...

10 States Where Youth Rules 2013

Friday, November 08, 2013

by Richard Barrington | MoneyRates.com Senior Financial Analyst, CFA Where should a young person go today to make his or her fortune? With student loan burdens soaring and youth unemployment rates in the double-digits, this isn't an easy question to answer. There are plenty of obvious candidates, such as the traditional youth meccas of New York and California. But what if you ignored the clichés and considered the question with an open mind? A young adult starting out today would benefit from a place with plenty of opportunity, reasonable living costs and just enough lifestyle amenities to keep things interesting. Where do suc...

Get Involved with the Corridor

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Today’s post covers a topic that is near & dear to my heart. I know that to some of you, volunteering can come with loaded expectations and worries, but I can assure you that it is not as scary as it sounds. Actually, it’s quite the opposite; it’s very rewarding. I served at many places throughout my college years, which gave me the experience and confidence I needed to be successful in other parts of life. Helping someone else out is a feeling that can’t be replaced. Not to mention, serving others has really taken off over the last fe...

Updates! Dream Big Grow Here

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

This post will be short, sweet & to the point. We have a few updates to share with you regarding our annual Dream Big Grow Here competition. The allotted submission period has been extended an extra week, allowing those of you who may have forgotten to enter a chance over the next couple of days to do so. Below is the new timeline of events: Submissions are accepted from now until October 28th by 5 p.m. From October 29th – November 12th, you all will be asked to visit here and vote for the business you believe is worthy of the award. The top 5 vote-getters will compete agains...

My JA Experience: One and Counting

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

When Brian Dalziel of the Iowa Lakes Corridor asked me to be a Junior Achievement volunteer this year, I probably looked at him very dazed and confused. Prior to my time at the Corridor, I had never heard of JA. For those of you much like myself, Junior Achievement is a volunteer-delivered, kindergarten – 12th grade program that fosters work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills. The course is designed to use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their full potential. Needless to say, my confused look disappeared in a flash as my ears perked up t...

Dream Big Grow Here Kicked-off September 8th

Monday, September 09, 2013

Dream Big Grow Here competition kicked-off September 8 SPENCER— The third annual Dream Big Grow Here (DBGH) competition kicked-off at this year’s Clay County Fair. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to submit their business dreams to wwww.DreamBigGrowHere.comstarting Sunday, September 8. The regional winner will receive $5,000 from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. Submissions can be made in the form of video, text, pictures, or a combination of the three. Each entry should explain the business, its goals and why the contestant deserves to win. The contest will began September 8 and runs through October 20. From October 21-November 4, voter...

Innovation Pavillion

Sunday, September 01, 2013

During the Clay County Fair, The World’s Greatest County Fair, located in Spencer, Iowa, the Corridor is sponsoring the Innovation Pavilion. The pavilion will host local entrepreneurs and showcase our youth entrepreneurship programs. The Innovation Pavilion can be found in the southwest part of the fairgrounds (approximately one block south of the Brandon Iron). Companies with exhibits in the Innovation Pavilion include: Boji Custom Metal Works – Custom metal fabrication, tailgate trailers & fuel boats Breezy Mills – Wind-powered pond bubblers/aerators Crown Clinics – RV-based mobile healthcare clinic eMotions Lighting/Simons Controls – Quality lighting controls for homes & businesses Monsanto – Sustainable agricultural company Nelson Products Co...

30 classrooms added to Junior Achievement program

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The 2013-2014 academic school year will be impacted with upcoming Junior Achievement (JA) sessions. JA is a volunteer-delivered, kindergarten–12th grade program that fosters work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills. The course also uses experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their full potential. Last year, 16 classrooms in the Corridor region offered JA, influencing 250 students. This year’s program will leave an even larger mark ; approximately 50 classrooms will participate, impacting over 1,000 students. Thirty of those will be held at Storm Lake Elementary School, which is new to JA, and quadruples the reach of th...

Business Recognition Luncheon: One for the Books!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

As if I haven’t pounded business awards and the Dream Big Grow Here competition into your head enough over the last few months, you get to hear it just once more (until next year, of course). Yesterday marked the fourth annual Business Recognition Luncheon at the Clay County Regional Events Center. We had RECORD attendance (somewhere around 250); go us! And go you for attending, making our event a success, yet again. Three awards were given out during the ceremony, along with the announcement of the Dream Big Grow Here winner. There were many nominees in each of the following categories: Smal...

Corridor Gift Guide: 2013 Style

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

This year’s Corridor Gift Guide will be taking a different form. What previously was printed and distributed each year will now be posted on our weekly blog. You, lucky reader, are getting the very first glimpse of some of the goodies that are made right here in the Corridor. These entrepreneurs work extremely hard to come up with innovative and unique products for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. I would encourage you to visit their websites/stores to gather some personalized and thoughtful holiday gift ideas for the upcoming season. Creators Hands Fine Art Gallery Creators Hands Fine Art Gallery is located in the Weave...

Vote Now!

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

As many of you have heard/read/seen, what have you, the Iowa Lakes Corridor’s annual Dream Big Grow Here competition is currently underway. For the last several weeks, business owners and entrepreneurs have been submitting their business dreams to the DBGH contest. Fifteen entries in total were submitted during the allotted time, and voting commenced shortly thereafter. Why am I telling you all this, you might ask? Well, the participants are now seeking your votes! This part of the process is extremely critical because without your support and participation, the contestant’s dreams could, quite possibly, not become a reality. All the har...

5 Tips to Landing a Job in the Corridor Region

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Thinking about working in the Corridor Region? Job searching, resume-building, interviewing – whatever it may be, it’s probably scary to you no matter how familiar you are with the process. Lucky for you, the Corridor is here to help! We’ve come up with a few tips that we are glad to share in order for you to be better prepared going forward. Joanne Follon and Tina Sherrill-Range have been conducting business visits to understand all aspects of what it is that employers want. They ask all kinds of questions so that we have the knowledge to better serve you an...

Myth or Fact? Test your Corridor Knowledge

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

This is going to be a fun one, folks! How much do YOU know about the Corridor and our region? I’m guessing many of you are fairly confident in your knowledge of the place you call home, but how much do you really know? Here’s a chance to quiz yourself & learn some new things about our wonderful area. Myth or Fact: West Okoboji is the deepest natural lake in Iowa. Fact! With a depth of 136 feet, West Lake Okoboji is the deepest in the state. Keep track of your points as you go! Myth or Fact: The Iowa Lakes Corridor staff is mad...

The Fair is Over; Now What?

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The Fair is Over: Now What? Now that the fair has come to an end, what do we do now? As much I as hate to admit that winter is quickly approaching – I can’t deny the inevitable. So what is there to do during this wonderful fall time before the cold & dreary weather hits us like a ton of bricks? My co-workers and I have compiled a list of 10 things to do in Spencer to curb your winter blues. 1. Sporting Events Many of us would agree that this is the best time of year for attending sporting events: football, volleybal...

Innovation Pavilion, Round 2

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Clay County Fair is underway! Which means the Innovation Pavilion is a movin’ and a shakin’. This is the Corridor’s second year sponsoring this event & we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout thus far. The Pavilion is located about one block south of the Branding Iron, for those of you who would like to check it out (you still have time), and is the home to 11 new & innovative start-up companies. The week started off on Saturday with an Entrepreneurial Panel featuring all Pavilion vendors. This was a chance for exhibitors to present and describe their company/product, and attendee...

14 Things to do in Storm Lake Before Labor Day 2014

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Labor Day came and went in a flash. I hope your holiday weekend was filled with family, friends and lots of happiness! As I think about Labor Day and how it marks the “end of Summer,” I thought I would give you all a challenge over the next 363 days. I’ve lived in the Storm Lake area for about 4.5 years, including college, and I think I have some tricks-of-the-trade when it comes to entertainment. These 14 “must-dos” are all unique to my experience in the town and are also economically friendly. So, without further ado, I give you m...

A Frightening Future

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

As a recent graduate, the world of economic development meant something very simple to me; develop the economy (for lack of better words), in whatever fashion necessary. I had no idea everything that went into growing and sustaining one specific area. Perhaps I didn’t pay enough attention in econ class, or maybe I was just too naive fully understand what’s been going on with the world lately. Mark Lautman, author of “When the Boomers Bail,” visited the Corridor region last Monday and Tuesday, presenting us with some very daunting information. Obviously, we knew something pretty big was about to be droppe...

Hello, Corridor Region - I'm Alexa

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hello, everyone! My name is Alexa Guessford, and I am the new Communications & Events Coordinator at the Iowa Lakes Corridor. Chances are, you’ve heard my name mentioned throughout the past month or so; some of you may have even met me already. For those of you who haven’t, I would like to take this time to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my time at the Corridor so far. I started about a month ago on July 15th. I was offered the job the first few days in July, so waiting until the 15th was a struggl...

Fast Facts About Iowa Lakes

Low cost of living and affordable housing...

The cost of living and housing prices in the Iowa Lakes Corridor are below the US averages.

Affordability-new

Employment Opportunity

The Corridor offers career opportunities in the key industries of agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and health services.

Employment-new

Healthy Income

Median household incomes in Dickinson Country are greater than the Iowa and nation median incomes. Clay, Buena Vista and Emmet Counties have median household incomes ranging from $44,556 to $50,289.

Household Income-new

Highway improvements...

Safe and efficient highways are throughout the region for commercial, resident and tourist traffic. Recently improved roads include Iowa 86 and 9, and US 20 and 71.

Highway 86-new

After 5 p.m. you are on vacation!

The Iowa Lakes Corridor offers balance in life. Spend time with loved ones, meet career objectives, and enjoy scenic commutes, excellent schools, safe communities and endless recreational opportunities.

Life-new

Trails, trails and trails. . .

There are more than 200 miles of trails throughout the Iowa Lakes Corridor region for the cyclists, runners, walkers, cross country skiers and snowmobilers.

Trails-new

News & Events

News & Events

Fast Facts About Iowa Lakes

Low cost of living and affordable housing...

Employment Opportunity

Healthy Income

Highway improvements...

After 5 p.m. you are on vacation!

Trails, trails and trails. . .

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