News & Events

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) welcomes two new board members in 2025: Thomas Nelson, Commercial Lender at Bank Midwest in Spirit Lake; and Doug Vlasman, Manager of Business & Community Development at Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative in Estherville. Nelson and Vlasman were appointed to the Corridor’s Board of...Continue Reading

IEDA Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Survey – Q2 2025 Report SummaryOverviewThe BRE Survey is a collaborative effort by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), MidAmerican Energy, and local economic developers (including the Iowa Lakes Corridor) to assess the current landscape and future plans of Iowa’s employers. The survey, conducted...Continue Reading

Iowa Lakes Corridor's GROWTH Program Serves a Core Economic Function for Regional ProgressThe Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation doesn't treat Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) as an afterthought. It is a core function of the region's economic development strategy. Through its GROWTH program, an acronym for Gather, Relationships, Opportunities, Wins,...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the substantial completion of the Spencer Speculative Building located in the Spencer Technical Park South.This milestone marks a successful collaboration among key regional partners, including the Iowa Lakes Corridor Future Fund, Corn Belt Power Cooperative, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Clay County,...Continue Reading

When historic flooding swept through Spencer, IA, in 2024, the community lost much more than homes and roads. It also lost a critical source of healthcare. Crown Clinics, a longtime provider, was forced to close its doors, leaving hundreds of residents without a primary care provider. But where others saw...Continue Reading

It started with a simple idea: What if Iowa's soybean strength could stay here at home? What followed was a vision so bold it would reshape the economic landscape of Northwest Iowa.Platinum Crush LLC, a $375 million soybean crushing facility now operating in Alta, is one of the largest value-added...Continue Reading

When people hear "economic development," they often picture corporate recruitment, massive construction projects, or big-dollar headlines. While that is a portion of what economic development is, the real work happens behind the scenes every day: one business plan, one job opening, one expansion at a time. And that work is...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced two grant award winners for the Homegrown Talent Initiative recruiting young minds back to the Corridor’s four-county region: Callan Hinn and Taylor Krager.The Homegrown Talent Initiative is a new program by the Corridor to encourage former students of the region’s schools...Continue Reading

Grand Central Coffee Station opened in Storm Lake over 20 years ago. Owners John and Karen Keenan returned to Storm Lake after a number of years in Seattle, Washington where they learned firsthand about the coffee craze. When they moved back to their hometown of Storm Lake, they decided to...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the winners of the inaugural Big IDEA entrepreneurial challenge after the in-person pitch competition.The Corridor hosted the first Big IDEA pitch competition on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. At the event, five of the region’s entrepreneurs shared their next “Big IDEA” with...Continue Reading

SPENCER, IOWA – The Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is proud to announce the acquisition of seven multi-family residential apartment buildings in Southwest Spencer, Iowa, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the community’s infrastructure and housing opportunities.These properties on 1st and 2nd Avenue SW were significantly damaged during...Continue Reading

In Northwest Iowa, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation helps drive growth, attract new businesses, and increase new opportunities across its four-county region. But behind every success story, initiative, and milestone achieved lies a community of businesses, organizations, and individuals who share a vision for a thriving, sustainable future. These...Continue Reading

When the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge set its sights on expanding into Spencer, IA, it was focused on delivering an essential service to Northwest Iowans. For years, residents in Northwest Iowa had been traveling long distances to access affordable healthcare. With this expansion, Spencer is gaining a vital...Continue Reading

In today’s competitive landscape, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance productivity and foster growth. One highly effective yet often overlooked strategy is hosting an intern. While internships are traditionally seen as a way for students and young professionals to gain experience, businesses can also reap substantial benefits from...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) once again recognized great achievements by local businesses Wednesday at the organization’s 14th 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 – Ashley Jones, Spencer Hospital, SpencerEntrepreneur...Continue Reading

Dakota BUSINESS Finance awarded Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation a $10,000 grant for placing 1st in the number of SBA 504 loans approved in Iowa in 2024 through Dakota BUSINESS Finance by local lenders. Dakota BUSINESS Finance works with local lenders to provide loans to small businesses to construct, purchase, or...Continue Reading