News & Events

Season 1 of our podcast, Corridor Conversations, is in the books!Corridor Conversations was created to highlight initiatives, promote partnerships, share our story, and have a bit of fun along the way. 7 episodes, 7 stories, 7 meaningful conversations... all on 1 podcast. Watch all seven episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Facebook. Episode...Continue Reading

For more information contact:  Ms. Kanan KappelmanIowa Economic Development Authority515.348.6248communications@iowaeda.com$39.84 Million in Workforce Housing Tax Credits Will Add Nearly 2,100 Iowa HomesSeptember 8, 2026 (DES MOINES, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced $39.84 million in workforce housing tax credits to support development in 39 counties across...Continue Reading

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026: The Mid-America Economic Development Council presented its annual Economic Development awards at the 2026 Mid-America EDC Annual Conference, held August 31 – September 2 at the JW Marriot Grand Rapids. Award entries were accepted in up to three markets per category – large division...Continue Reading

NEWS RELEASEMedia Contact: Rebecca PetersTitle: Director, MarketingPhone: 712-264-6461Email: rebecca.peters@spencerhospital.orgFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2026Spencer Hospital Invests $8.9 Million in Community Health and Economic VitalitySpencer, Iowa – New data released as part of the Iowa Hospital Association's (IHA) annual community benefit and economic impact report highlights the vital role hospitals play...Continue Reading

More than 750 Northwest Iowa high school students attended Build My Future 2026 at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer on April 23. They explored careers through hands-on activities in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, utilities, agriculture, and public safety.​For employers, the event provided a direct connection to future workers...Continue Reading

This spring, more than 750 high school students attended the Clay County Regional Events Center, gaining hands-on experience, new career insights, and direct interactions with employers from Northwest Iowa.Hosted by Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, Build My Future 2026 introduced students to careers in agriculture, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, utilities, public...Continue Reading

Tourism is a key part of the Iowa Lakes Corridor's economy. Many people think of summer trips to the Iowa Great Lakes, but tourism's impact goes much further. When visitors spend money, they help local businesses, create jobs, generate tax revenue, and support investments that benefit everyone in Buena Vista,...Continue Reading

Economic Development Week 2026 comes as the Iowa Lakes Corridor advances with clear direction and collaborative effort. This year’s national theme, 100 Years of Impact, aligns with local priorities and reinforces that progress requires ongoing collective work.​Curt Strouth, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, emphasized this...Continue Reading

Economic Development Week 2026 comes as the Iowa Lakes Corridor advances with clear direction and collaborative effort. This year’s national theme, 100 Years of Impact, aligns with local priorities and reinforces that progress requires ongoing collective work.​Curt Strouth, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, emphasized this...Continue Reading

CORRIDOR AWARDS FOUR HOMEGROWN TALENT INITIATIVE GRANTSThe Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced four grant award winners for the Homegrown Talent Initiative recruiting young minds back to the Corridor’s four-county region: Tyler Adams, Dalayna Brugman, Clayton Ehlers, and Morgan White-Muller. The Homegrown Talent Initiative is a program by the...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) in partnership with Northwest Iowa STEM and other local partners hosted an inaugural Build My Future hands-on career event for over 750 high school students in the four-county region of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties on Thursday at the Clay County...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has released the 2025 Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Report summarizing findings from 117 business and industry visits within the four-county Corridor region of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet.The Corridor’s BRE program goes by the acronym GROWTH, which stands for Gathering, Relationships,...Continue Reading

Workforce recruitment in the Corridor typically means attracting new faces to Northwest Iowa, but the Homegrown Talent Initiative focuses on bringing locals back home.​Last year, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation launched the Homegrown Talent Initiative to bring graduates and skilled professionals back to Clay, Dickinson, Buena Vista, and Emmet...Continue Reading

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) once again recognized great achievements by local businesses Wednesday at the organization’s 15th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer in front of a record-breaking audience.Winners of this year’s Business Recognition awards are:•    Young Professional of the Year...Continue Reading

Each year, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation convenes business leaders, investors, and partners to take stock of the region’s economic progress. The Business Recognition Luncheon does more than mark a date on the calendar. It provides a working forum where relationships form, results get acknowledged, and the year ahead...Continue Reading