Economic Development is About Big Deals and Daily Progress.

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 felt by everyone in the community.

"Economic development is not a spectator sport; it's a collaborative effort. When our businesses grow, our entire region thrives. We have been making a greater effort to bring attention to that behind-the-scenes work and demonstrate what we do day in and day out. When more people know who we are, what we do, and our goals, it makes it a lot easier to be successful in achieving our mission," said Curt Strouth, President and CEO of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.

The Power of Progress in Plain Sight

During Economic Development Week (May 12–16, 2025), we're pulling back the curtain on what economic development really looks like in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. While attention-grabbing headlines about the next big project are great, we are focused on the real people, real businesses, and real growth happening all around us.

Behind every new job, revitalized building, or community partnership is a network of local leaders, business owners, and doers who believe in our region—and one organization helping pull the pieces together: The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.

"We don't just react to opportunities. We build them," said Trevor Smith, Senior VP of Economic Development. 

Who We Are. What We Do.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development engine for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet counties. Since 1992, we've been laying the groundwork for sustainable growth: one conversation, one connection, one business plan at a time.

Our team led by President & CEO Curt Strouth, Senior VP of Economic Development Trevor Smith, Business Retention & Workforce Partnership Coordinator Joanne Follon, and Coordinator of Administration and Communications Alyssa Petersen are focused on achieving our mission. That mission is to foster, encourage, promote, aid, or otherwise assist in the economic growth and development of the four-county region.

What does that look like in action? It means helping a business secure financing to facilitate an expansion project. Supporting manufacturers in finding workforce talent. Attracting new investment. Facilitating land development. Collaborating with educators to align training with real-world needs. It's all connected and all crucial.

It's Local. It's Personal. It's Long-Term.

We're not a distant organization swooping in with one-size-fits-all answers. We live and work here, too. Our team is based in Spencer, with a professional staff that brings years of expertise, passion, and grit to the table. Guided by a 16-member board of directors representing all four counties, we stay closely connected to the communities we serve.

With support from more than 80 public—and private-sector investors, we're empowered to keep pushing forward, year after year, project after project.

Stronger Together: Why Economic Development Is Everyone's Business

When a business expands, it creates jobs. When those jobs attract families, schools and housing grow. When local infrastructure improves, it raises the quality of life across the board. That ripple effect is the heart of economic development and benefits us all.

The Corridor's work only succeeds because of the people behind it: Investors. Entrepreneurs. City and County leaders. Educators. Developers. You.

The future of Northwest Iowa isn't decided in a boardroom or by a single deal. It's built day by day through shared goals and smart partnerships.

Open for Opportunity. Ready to Help.

Whether you're launching a startup, expanding your company, or just wondering how to make a bigger impact in your community, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is here for you.

Reach out today to see how we can help your business grow. Visit www.lakescorridor.com or call (712) 264-3474.