Meet the Staff: Alyssa Petersen, Coordinator of Administration & Communication

Alyssa Petersen has been a part of the Corridor team since she graduated from Buena Vista University in 2018. In her role as Coordinator of Administration & Communication, she performs marketing, communications, bookkeeping, event planning, and general administration activities. Contact her for general inquiries, website and social media, investor relations, and events.

What is your favorite part of the job?

I love the variety of my role at the Corridor: no two days are the same, and it is never boring! Our mission at the Corridor is so rewarding, and I love to watch our communities and the people and businesses within grow through collaboration.

What show/podcast/book are you currently consuming?

I was recently recommended to listen to The Ed Mylett Show (podcast) and have really been enjoying challenging myself with what I learn. For fun, my husband and I love watching a baking competition show called “Crime Scene Kitchen.”

How did you get involved in Economic Development?

I was fortunate to be an OEI student in 2017, and I knew I wanted to stay somewhere in the western half of the state after graduation. I contacted President & CEO at the time Kiley Miller, knowing he had connections in the region that could help me find a job. Little did I know that a month or two later he would come to me with a position on the Corridor team!

I didn't realize it until about six months into my role at the Corridor, but even when I was young I always thought it would be amazing to be the part of the revitalization and development of rural communities. Growing up in rural communities in Southwest Iowa, I found myself thinking “What could I do to help fill these buildings?” when driving through downtowns with a lot of vacant storefronts. 

The best advice I've ever been given is _______________.

I've always loved the quote “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard,” and I've seen that be true in many situations in my life.

What do you see as a top strength of our region?

The diversity right here. Diversity not just of people, their background and experiences, but also in industries, communities, and amenities. I truly believe that our region has something to offer most anyone!

And lastly: Pizza, Burgers, or Tacos?

It's a tough one, but pizza will almost always win!