Welcome | Iowa Lakes Corridor

Welcome to the Iowa Lakes Corridor

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development organization serving Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet Counties.

Our Mission is to foster, encourage, promote, aid, and support economic growth and development across Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet Counties in Northwest Iowa.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor invites residents, employers, entrepreneurs, and visitors to experience everything our region has to offer. Located in Iowa’s scenic glacial lake region, the Corridor is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and strong sense of collaboration. From sparkling lakes and outdoor recreation to strong schools, skilled workers, and welcoming small towns, the Iowa Lakes region offers a high quality of life and a strong foundation for success.

Within the Iowa Lakes Corridor, you’ll find a balanced blend of commerce, culture, education, leisure, and hospitality. Our communities are places where businesses can launch and expand, talent can thrive, and families can put down roots. Whether you’re considering starting a business, growing an existing operation, relocating your workforce, or exploring the region as a visitor, the Corridor offers opportunity and support at every stage.

Live, Work, and Grow in the Iowa Lakes Corridor

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation works closely with local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and regional partners to strengthen the economy and support sustainable growth. Our efforts focus on business attraction and retention, workforce development, housing initiatives, community development, and regional collaboration.

At the heart of our work is collaboration. By bringing people together and aligning regional efforts, we help create sustainable growth that benefits all four counties. Our goal is to ensure the Iowa Lakes Corridor remains competitive, resilient, and welcoming — a place where businesses succeed, communities prosper, and future generations can grow.

Regional Iowa Lakes Corridor

5

Best-Run State in the Nation

2

Lowest Cost State for Doing Business

1

Highest Concentration of Agriculture Engineers

18

Construction Costs 18% Below the National Average

Featured News

Click the Corridor Conversations Podcast Season 1 Now Streaming Slide Photo to Open

Corridor Conversations Podcast Season 1 Now Streaming
Thursday, January 29, 2026

Click the Business Recognition Luncheon Will Bring the Region’s Employers Together on January 28 Slide Photo to Open

Business Recognition Luncheon Will Bring the Region’s Employers Together on January 28
Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Click the Defying Norms: OEI Alum Builds SparkDefy Slide Photo to Open

Defying Norms: OEI Alum Builds SparkDefy
Tuesday, November 18, 2025

MWI Components
US Senate
Midwest Mechanical
Godbersen Metal Works
Cannon Moss Brygger Architects
Doll Distributing

Thoughts on the Corridor

"Our experience with the Corridor has been one of genuine partnership. The team demonstrates true interest in community growth by asking questions to provoke thought..."

— Philip Ramstack, MWI Components

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor serves as an incredible conduit between business, economic development, and government. Their tireless advocacy of their region and member communities (and their diverse needs) helps to keep the Lakes region at the forefront and top-of-mind in my work."

— Kolby DeWitt, Outreach Director, US Senate

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has always been the go-to place to find ways of helping current business and future business. There isn’t much they will not do to help, including showing property or finding housing for new employees that come to work in the area. The staff at the Corridor is top notch and very caring."

— Donavon Wunschel, Midwestern Mechanical/Spencer City Council

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor has been a valuable resource as we have gone from a startup company to now becoming an established local business, their entire team is very knowledgeable and great to work with."

—Jim Smith, Godbersen Metal Works

Thoughts on the Corridor

"This is a great homebase in Northwest Iowa with the ability to reach a number of communities. The community is positive about growth and values quality spaces. This is a great place to raise a family and be a part of a community that cares about people."

—Adam Van Gorp, CMBA Architects

Thoughts on the Corridor

"After our initial (BRE) meeting, Joanne and I started discussing challenges that we were facing and warehouse space was at the top of our issues. She asked me if we had interest in taking a look at the Daily Reporter building as they were wanting to possibly downsize their location. Jo did all of the leg work in arranging a meeting between Doll’s and the Daily Reporter. She even was present the day that we looked at the facility. Basically, without Jo, we could of possibly never been told that a solution to our warehouse needs was 4 blocks away! Jo checked in several times throughout the process and was always asking if there was anything else she could help with. We are very happy with our purchase and the growth opportunities that this additional space will provide us. We can’t thank you enough!"

—Jason Halverson, Doll Distributing