Charting the Course for 2013-2016
The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation launched a new planning effort for the future of the region early in 2011. Our current plan for 2000 – 2012 is nearing completion. The Great Recession of 2007-2009 has likely forever changed the economic development profession and economic development approaches, especially for rural areas. We have enjoyed the planning process this year and thank the dozens of business and community leaders who participated with us.
The Corridor published a series of articles to provide background data and information to help inform residents of the basis for the new strategic plan. Copies of the articles can be found at the links below.
Socioeconomic snapshot of the Corridor region
Region demographics and workforce
Business Development, Entrepreneurship, and Jobs
In preparation for the new planning effort, Corridor staff and board members reviewed a number of current articles and case studies from around the country. Links to these articles are provided here for you our stakeholders to also review and consider as we plan for the future of the region. They are all good reads.
Measuring Economic Development Without Depending on Jobs - September 2010, Governing
Creating Quality Jobs: Transforming the Economic Development Landscape ( 4.9 MB ) – March 2010, International Economic Development Council
Past Silos and Smokestacks: Transforming the Rural Economy of the Midwest ( 3.07 MB )- 2010, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Entrepreneurship and the Economy, Ewing Marion Kaufman Foundation
Making Worforce Work for Central Wisconsin – May 2009, The Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group
Exploring Rural Context and Opportunities, A Report to the National Fund for Workforce Solutions - February 2008, The Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group
State of the Industry 2011 ( 3.06 MB )- International Economic Development Council
Charting the Course was launched on March 24th with help from a trio of expert presenters from Colorado, Nebraska and Wisconsin who shared research, ideas and great examples of local and regional economic development efforts. More than 70 individuals participated in the afternoon sessions and then provided immediate feedback through an exit survey.
The presentations by Don Macke of the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), Christine Hamilton-Pennell of Growing Local Economies, and Jennifer Riggenbach of Workforce Central at the South Wood County Community Foundation are included below. Also links to the socio-economic and other research data developed by RUPRI is below.
Growing Economies; Growing Entrepreneurs ( 1.54 MB )
Entrepreneruship Development Strategies that Work ( 6.13 MB )
Workforce Central ( 1.09 MB )
Socio-Economic Profiles of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Region prepared by the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship
Our survey work and focus group sessions have been completed. Thank you to the 70+ individuals who attended one of the four focus group meetings held April 27 and 28.
A core team was assembled to help determine the strategic plan for 2013-16. The Core Team members were: Bill Bumgarner, Corridor Chair; Brad Simington, Corridor Treasurer; Dan Anderson of Iowa Central Community College and City of Storm Lake; Dan Hassman of Northwest Bank; Tresa Hussong of Iowa Lakes Electric; Shelly Krause of Pure Fishing; Mark Laurenzo of the Iowa Dept. of Economic Development; Bruce Tamisiea of Tecton Industries; and Jim Vermeer of Corn Belt Power Cooperative. Our facilitator was Mary Lawyer of LPCA Public Strategies in Des Moines. The draft plan was completed by the end of July and submitted to the Corridor Board for approval in August. It has been approved and will be announced publicly in November as part of the Corridor’s next fundraising campaign.
For questions or comments, please contact Kathy Evert, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation at 712.264.3474.
