Estherville councilman honored for contributions to economy
12 May 2015
News Release
City councilman Larry Anderson is one of two winners of the inaugural Public Champion of Economic Development Award from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.
Representatives of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation presented the award at the Estherville City Council meeting Monday. The Board of Directors of the development corporation created the Public Champion of Economic Development award to recognize the invaluable contributions local elected officials make to economic growth. Monday’s presentation coincided with Public Service Recognition Week May 3-9.
“Through their leadership, policymaking and advocacy, city and county officials in northwest Iowa help sustain and build the economy every day,” said Steve Pick, Chairman of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation Board of Directors.
A second winner of the award will be announced later in May.
Anderson was nominated by Estherville community leaders for his service as a city council member, which now exceeds 30 years. During his tenure, he:
- Assisted in the establishment of the Estherville Revolving Loan Fund, the first in the state to use public funds for private development. Loans made to new, relocating or expanding industries in the late 1980s and 1990s helped replaced jobs lost earlier. In addition, he:
- Supported the establishment of tax financing districts in Estherville and innovative ways to use those funds to expand job growth and local tax base expansion.
- Approved city financial participation in our local spec building program. Five spec buildings have been constructed, creating hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars of taxable valuation.
- Supported a change in funding for housing development, leading to the creation of two new subdivisions.
- Served as board member and treasurer of the Estherville Industrial Development Corporation
- Supported Emmet County’s and Estherville’s participation in the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation
- Served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation
More Topics
