Economic Development Week is an Opportunity to Reflect on the Progress Across the Iowa Lakes Corridor

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.
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Curt Strouth, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, emphasized this shared responsibility. “Economic development is not a passive effort. It requires daily involvement from our partners across the region who understand that progress depends on coordination and follow-through.

When businesses, schools, local leaders, and organizations work toward the same goal, we create more opportunities for people who live and work here. That level of engagement is what allows us to improve quality of life and support long-term economic stability across the Corridor.”

Regional Activity Brings Results

Public and private partners in the Corridor coordinate daily to drive economic development. Their collaboration continues to deliver results that impact employers and residents.
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In 2025, the Corridor team visited 117 businesses through the GROWTH program, identifying employer needs, operational challenges, and expansion plans. The resulting data directly influenced local decision-making and resource alignment with actual business conditions.
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The most recent GROWTH survey data points to continued business confidence and near-term expansion:

• 27 percent of companies plan to expand within three years
• 54 percent introduced a new product or service in the past five years
• 218 or more new jobs are anticipated
• More than $110 million in capital investment is projected
• 45 percent of companies report sustainability goals

These metrics show that business leaders actively make decisions. They demonstrate a willingness to invest in operations, workforce, and long-term performance.
Workforce Engagement Starts Early
The Corridor invests in workforce awareness and career exploration. Events like Build My Future directly connect students to local career paths.
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In April 2026, at the Clay County Regional Events Center, the event brought together more than 750 students from across the region. Students connected with over 50 employers, explored industry booths, and participated in hands-on activities that reflected real job functions, increasing their awareness of career pathways.

Key sectors represented included:

• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Construction and skilled trades
• Utilities and public safety

Students completed safety training and used standard equipment during the event. This format gives participants a realistic view of career expectations and helps employers build early connections with future workers.
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The Corridor also continues its achievement in talent attraction. The Homegrown Talent Initiative Golf Tournament returns this July for its third year, highlighting ongoing success. Recent award recipients Taylor Krager and Callan Townsend represent the next generation of workforce leadership.

Regional Engagement is Growing

Participants continue to show strong engagement in Corridor events and initiatives. At the Annual Business Recognition Luncheon, more than 340 attendees from Buena Vista, Emmet, Clay, and Dickinson counties celebrated local business achievements and discussed shared priorities.
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Ongoing communication supports regional alignment. The Corridor recently released the tenth episode of the Corridor Conversations podcast, featuring Cory Hepola of My Town, to discuss the region’s identity and how local stories shape perception and investment interest.

Building on the Current Momentum

Economic Development Week provides a moment to review progress, but the work continues. The Corridor remains focused on aligning regional priorities with business needs and workforce capacity.
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Reach out to the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation to learn more about current projects, regional data, and opportunities to get involved. Direct engagement turns ideas into action and supports continued progress across the region.