News & Events

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

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Corridor region.  This study will geographically define which communities contribute to the Corridor’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called...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) is teaming up with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Strategic Marketing Services and the Institute for Decision Making (IDM) to launch a regional wage and benefit study in April and May.Launching on Wednesday, April 23rd, businesses throughout Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and...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

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the top five Big IDEAs moving on to the live pitch competition on April 1, 2025.After two weeks of public voting on entrepreneurial ideas submitted to the Corridor, the top five are Fuller Radiance LLC (Cody Fuller), Spencer Create Catalyst (Vanessa...Continue Reading

SPENCER, IOWA – Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has announced 38 Commercial Business Assistance Grants to businesses within Spencer impacted by the flooding last summer. Applications for the program opened February 3. As of March 7, 38 grants had been awarded for a total of $747,000 in assistance to Spencer businesses...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

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) will welcome four new board members for 2025: Katherine Cota, Director of the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake; Todd Glasnapp, Supervisor at Emmet County; Brett Johnson, City Councilman at the City of Spirit Lake; and Matt...Continue Reading

Preparation is everything when attracting new businesses and fostering economic growth. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation understands the high stakes of site selection and has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses and site selectors. By leveraging the statewide RFP process, the LocationOne Information System (LOIS) power, and...Continue Reading

In Northwest Iowa, rural hospitals are more than healthcare providers; they are pillars of our economy and community. Hospitals like Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Spencer Hospital, Lakes Regional Hospital, and Avera Holy Family Hospital don't just deliver vital medical services—they drive economic growth, create jobs, and sustain community well-being...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the first annual Homegrown Talent Initiative Golf Tournament to be hosted Monday, August 5, 2024 at Spencer Municipal Golf Course.The Homegrown Talent Initiative is a new program from the Corridor to encourage recent college graduates that grew up within the region...Continue Reading