Iowa Lakes Corridor receives award for Business Retention & Expansion efforts

The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) honored various economic development organizations throughout the state during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 1. The Iowa Lakes Corridor received the Single Project Expansion Award for the growth and development of Polaris Industries in Milford.

The PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies.

Corridor staff has had a long-standing working relationship with Polaris Industries. Since locating in Spirit Lake in 1994, Polaris has expanded its Spirit Lake facility four times. The economic impact of Polaris Industries’ new product lines and expanding into the vacated space in Milford, IA has been significant. The Polaris decision turned a negative situation into a very positive one for a small community and rural region.

“The partnership between Polaris and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation was founded on trust and being ready, receptive and responsive, said Kathy Evert, president of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. “These are essential in order to have a successful business retention and expansion program. Our partnership with Polaris has been fun, exciting and rewarding. We are grateful they chose Iowa and the Corridor region in 1994, are occupying the former Klaussner properties, and have now become the second largest employer in the four-county region.”

“Supporting Iowa’s existing industry is a key priority for PDI’s membership,” stated Stacie LoVan, PDI President. “The BRE Awards are intended to increase the focus on fostering Iowa business growth by economic development organizations and spotlight BRE programs and projects that have made a significant impact on Iowa communities.”