Meet the Staff: Curt Strouth, President & CEO

Curt Strouth is the President & CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. As such, he leads the Corridor team and is the point of contact for business attraction, development projects, housing, fundraising, and community relations. Curt joined the Corridor team in August of 2023 after over 10 years as the Community Development Director for the Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Working day to day with our amazing staff and collaborating with our public and private investor group on how we can support and grow the Corridor region together.  

What show/podcast/book are you currently consuming?
I am a huge fan of author Jon Gordon who is a top 3 leadership author in the world.  One of my favorite quotes from Jon is “Positive energy is like muscle.  The more you use it the stronger it gets.  The stronger it gets the more powerful you become.  Repetition is the key and the more you focus on positive energy the more it becomes a natural state”.  

How did you get involved in Economic Development?
I have worked in City Government for my whole career which ranges over 24 years.   During that work experience and being heavily involved in all aspects of city government, I grew a passion for community and economic development, along with the relationships that are built along the way.  

The best advice I’ve ever been given is _______________.
I have been given a lot of great advice over the years from my parents, wife, brothers, professors, and work colleagues.  All of the best advice has always centered around the power of positivity and the impact that can make on you and those who you interact with daily.  My favorite author Jon Gordon does a great job in capturing this for me.  He shares:
Positivity breeds success. 
“You can RISE and WHINE or RISE and SHINE.  Decide to shine today!”
1. Focus on the positives.
2. Replace “Have to” with “Get to.”
3. Count your blessings.
4. Choose faith instead of fear.
5. See your challenges as opportunities for growth.
6. Believe the best is yet to come.

What do you see is a top strength of our region?
We are blessed with amazing people and have a great array of quality-of-life amenities already in place which includes education, healthcare, and a very diverse business base.  These core strengths will continue to naturally drive growth in our region for decades to come.  

And lastly: Pizza, Burgers, or Tacos?
Easy – Burgers!