Partner with Us | Goals & Objectives

The 2009-2012 goals and objectives have served the region well, especially in light of the great recession that was unknown at the time the current strategic plan was developed. Work is well underway to determine strategic goals and direction for the Iowa Lakes Corridor region for the years 2013-16. To learn more and track our progress, check out the page under this section titled Charting the Course. Learn about our new Fundraising Campaign, C3 – Connect, Collaborate, Compete.

2009-2012 Goals, Objectives & Areas of Focus

Goal: Become recognized as the most attractive region in Iowa for new ventures and entrepreneurs

Objective: Develop an economic gardening program, providing technical assistance to small growing companies by conducting market research, tracking industry trends, and helping identify new markets through database subscriptions.

Objective: Develop additional opportunities for entrepreneurs to network with other entrepreneurs, successful entrepreneurs in the region, trade associations, major employers, elected officials and colleges and universities.

Objective: Develop the next generation of successful entrepreneurs and leaders by encouraging youth to pursue the creation of new ventures and apply entrepreneurship concepts in their career endeavors.

Key Initiatives and Areas of Focus:

Promote and implement the annual Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute
Develop and promote K-12 entrepreneurial programming throughout the region
Provide market research assistance to start-up or existing entrepreneurs
Serve as the business accelerator for this region of Iowa
Provide educational and training programs for entrepreneurs
Provide consulting and mentoring programs and services for entrepreneurs
Facilitate networking events for existing entrepreneurs
Administer the Iowa Lakes Capital Fund
Promote entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial success stories and opportunities in the region
Explore feasibility of establishing a regional business development and career center

Goal: Add 600 new primary, higher-wage jobs to the region through existing business and industry expansion, new business and industry locations, and new business starts-ups.

Objective: Proactively assist existing business and industries to maximize growth opportunities in the region.

Objective: Aggressively promote the region to prospective business and industries through direct contacts and partner organizations.

Key Initiatives and Areas of Focus:

Existing industry call program, retention and expansion

Visit out-of-state company headquarters
Trade shows, direct sell trips, direct-mail, advertising
Collateral materials, including expansion and maintenance of a regional website
Case studies of company success stories developed, published and distributed regionally and to prospects and consultants
Hosting site location consultants and design-build firms
Maintain current demographic and industry data for regional marketing efforts (laborshed, benefit surveys, LOIS)
Product improvement and development
- Document and promote existing infrastructure, available buildings and shovel-ready sites; assist in development of needed infrastructure, sites and buildings
- Meet and secure support from local, state and federal elected officials and their staff, and appointed officials, as appropriate

Goal: Attract more people and workers to the region

Objective: Develop and broadcast the compelling case for the Iowa Lakes Corridor region as the place to live, work and play.

Key Initiatives and Areas of Focus:

Continue and expand Why Go Back? Campaign
Target areas outside of region for potential workforce and promote region through multiple media sources
Develop relocation assistance team
Seek alumni lists of local high schools and colleges and develop database for direct marketing
Assist existing employer recruitment efforts for specific skills and positions
Promote internship opportunities
Regional job postings with Iowa Workforce Development on http://www.lakescorridor.com
Participate in career fairs and events in the Midwest; host a regional job fair annually

Goal: Build and maintain partnerships and relationships to ensure the success and completion of this business plan

Areas of Focus:

Establish an investor relations program
Meet regularly with all investors – public and private
Meet annually with Iowa Department of Economic Development and other state agencies (Dept. of Transportation, Iowa Workforce Development, Dept. of Natural Resources) and other key statewide agencies
Conduct an annual Washington, DC, summit and advocate for key priority projects
Promote regional success stories, examples and their importance through newsletter and special forums
Build additional partnerships with adjacent counties and organizations