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Klaussner Job Fair
Thank You
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During the last few weeks we heard the unfortunate news that Klaussner Home Furnishings in Milford will be closing on August 20. To help the 105 employees that will be without a job, the Iowa Lakes Corridor hosted a job fair for Klaussner employees on July 12. It didn't take long before nearly 30 companies had signed up to attend.
All Klaussner employees attended the job fair. The Corridor gives a sincere thank you to the employers who attended. It was your rapid response that will help these employees find worthwhile employment.
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The Iowa Lakes Corridor is one of eight regions in Iowa hosting the Dream Big Grow Here competition. This is a virtual contest for entrepreneurs to win $5,000 for their business.
Business owners explain why they should win the money on www.dreambiggrowhere.com Their submission can be in the form of a video, pictures, text, or any combination of these. The submission period will be from August 1-31. From September 1-16, voters can go on to the website and vote once per day for whoever they believe deserves to win the money.
The winner will then compete against the seven other regional winners at a state competition for an additional $10,000.
Each region makes their own rules. We are not putting restrictions on industry or age. Applicants must live in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson or Emmet county, or have their business in one of the counties. It must be a small business, from 0-30 employees.
Contact Brian or Samantha at the Corridor for more information at 712-264-3474. |
Iowa DOT Holding Hwy 86 Meeting
The Iowa DOT will hold a formal presentation on the Highway 86 project from Iowa 9 to the Minnesota boarder at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the Dickinson County Courthouse, 1802 Hill Avenue, Spirit Lake. The environmental assessment for the proposed improvements will be presented. |
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Spousal Employment Network
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The Iowa Lakes Corridor is in the process of establishing a Spousal Employment Network to assist area employers while they are interviewing potential employees.
This network consists of community volunteers in each of the four counties that will be the points of contact between the Corridor and area employers. The Corridor is looking forward to playing a role in assisting employers during the hiring process. Contact Shaun Arneson, vice president of the Corridor, with any questions or for more information. |
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Kudos!!
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Jim Vermeer of Corn Belt Power Cooperative was awarded the Leadership Award by National Rural Economic Developers Association at their annual conference in Nashville.
The City of Spirit Lake, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, and the Spirit Lake Development Corporation agreed to jointly develop a new industrial park east of the cities current boarder.
The Estherville Lincoln Central softball team qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 1998.
Pure Fishing's new fishing line, Nanofil, was awarded Best of Show and Best New Line Award at a trade industry show in Las Vegas. Nanofil, a state-of-the-art fishing line, is made of gel-spun polyethelene utilizing dyneema filaments that make it extremely smooth to handle, while delivering superline-type strength.
Two Corridor communities were recipients of IDED's 2011 Community Development Block Grant. Spencer received $600,000 and Albert City received $300,000 for sanitary sewer collection improvements.
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Entrepreneurial Development Endowment Fund with the
Okoboji Foundation
Family of Funds
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The Corridor has created a new Entrepreneurial Development Endowment Fund within the Okoboji Foundation Family of Funds. This fund gives us the ability to offer our donors the Endow Iowa Tax Credit available only through a qualified community foundation.
| With a contribution to this fund, taxpayers may be eligible to receive a 25% Iowa Tax Credit in addition to normal federal charitable income tax deductions for certain charitable gifts. This is an exciting program that benefits both donors and the Corridor.
Gifts to the Iowa Lakes Corridor Entrepreneurial Development Fund allow the Corridor to use your charitable contribution strategically in response to the most pressing entrepreneurial and economic development issues. Your contribution continues to support economic growth and development during and after your lifetime.
More information, as well as a contribution and pledge form, can be found here. You can also make a donation on the Okoboji Foundation's Website. Just click on the Donate Now tab. |
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Tune In!
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The Corridor does monthly interviews on four local radio stations to let everyone know what we have going on. Tune in!
KKIA 92.9/KAYL 101.7, first Wednesday of the month, at 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m.
KILR 95.9, first Thursday of the month, at 10:05 a.m.
KICD 1240 AM, second Wednesday of the month, at 9:15 a.m.
KUOO 103.9, third Wednesday of the month, at 8:30 a.m.
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Be Included in The Corridor!
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Do you have an event coming up? Does your business have a Kudos that should be included in The Corridor? Do you know someone in the Corridor region that we should feature? Contact Samantha to be included! Call her at the office at 712-264-3474 or send her an email.
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Greetings!
The sixth Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute is scheduled to take place August 7-12 at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake Okoboji. Thirty-two students from five of Iowa's colleges and universities will be participating in this opportunity. The students in attendance will be taught an advanced study of entrepreneurship that will include seminars with successful entrepreneurs and business and community leaders, networking, mentoring to enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship opportunities in Iowa, and an entrepreneurial simulation.
The Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute is a joint effort of the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa, Buena Vista University, Iowa Lakes Community College, and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.
"This program was started by a group of business leaders in the area six years ago. Ever since, there have been requests to replicate the program, or add other colleges from other parts of the state and the country," said Kathy Evert, president and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. "Testimonials from the 100-plus alumni have indicated that this week is a life-changing week for many students, and it has changed their attitude about Iowa and their future in Iowa."
Each school has an application and interview process used to select which students will participate from their school each year. Five students from the Corridor region were selected at each of their schools to attend this year's Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute. They are Alex Bubke, ISU, of Spencer, Kaye Johnson, BVU, of Spencer, Lexie Hash, ILCC, of Estherville, Mark Hodgin, ILCC, of Spencer and Matt Kuehler, ILCC, of Spencer. Students attending the Institute this summer are: Alex J Frazier of Vinton, Thomas Gilbert of Cedar Falls, Therese Kuster of Boone, Taylor Smothers of Des Moines, Mike Palsic of Osage, Jeff Short of Garner, Chris Thorsbakken of Huxley, Angie Wagner of Urbandale, Alex Andrade of Pella, Christine DeCoudreaux of Chicago, Ill., Cody Henke of Wapello, Sydnie Howk of Drakesville, Brad McCartney of Hubbard, Kyle McMahon of Fairfield, James Sweeney of Buckeye, Tom Piazzi of Libertyville, Ill., Brian Schall of Clive, Claire Caruso of Bettendorf, Megan Flynn of Wellman, Jonathan Rehnstrom of Marion, Jake Williams of Sac City, Tom Woods of Cedar Falls, Kelli Sullens of Camanche, Shelby Bleeker of Apple Valley, Minn., Shantel Lawrence of Chicago, Ill., Kacie Woodley of Laurens and Kyle Smith.
Local businesses and civic organizations are providing various forms of support for the Institute, including paying the 32 students' tuition, hosting evening events, and networking with the students. This year's sponsors are: Avera Health, Bank Midwest, Berkley and Elinor Bedell, Black Hills Energy, Central Iowa Power Cooperative, Clay County Community Foundation, Community State Bank, Deloss Construction, Denny Somers, Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, Farner-Bocken, Federal Home Loan Bank, G. William Phelps DDS PC, GF Land Partnership, Goodenow Foundation, Steve and Michelle Goodenow, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation, KPGM LLC, Krause Gentle Foundation, Liberty Bank, Metal Works, Nolin Milling, Northwest Financial Corp., Shine Bros. Corp., Tecton Industries, The Three Sons, Tom and Molly Bedell, Wayne Northey, Williams and Company, Winther, Stave and Company, and Les and Kathy Banwart.
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Amy's Sign Design marks 18th Year
Featured story in series of Women Entrepreneurs in the Corridor.
 | Amy Pas, owner of Amy's Sign Design in Arnolds Park, shows off the vehicle lettering she can make, in addition to custom-made signs.
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ARNOLDS PARK - When Amy Pas was in college, she came to Okoboji during the summer to work at Fillenwarth Beach Resort and fell in love with the area. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1993 with a degree in graphic design, and decided to do her own thing. She felt the calling to start her business in the Iowa Great Lakes region. She knew that if the business didn't take off, she was still young enough to pick herself back up and try something new.
Fortunately, Amy's Sign Design did take off. For three years she worked out of her garage, hand-painting wooden signs. After three years, she purchased the former Arnolds Park City Hall, next to Okoboji Middle School. The area where the fire trucks were parked is now an open space where the signs are made. Pas renovated the old city auditorium into a loft where she currently lives with her husband, Dr. Randy Pas DDS, and their two children. She also rents out part of the building to Bombazi Salon and Tanning.
"I feel very fortunate to be in the area, and to create a job for myself and provide employment for others," said Pas. "It's the basic American dream. We have great customers that come back year after year, and tell their friends."
A sign-company was a natural choice for Pas because she has always enjoyed woodworking and painting; she loves to get her hands into her work. She works with a router to give her wooden signs depth and dimension. "I really enjoy the process," said Pas. "It's not an instant thing."
Pas can make just about any sign her customers think up. She makes boat and vehicle lettering, decals, banners, metal and polymetal signs, wooden house and storefront signs, as well as dock signs. When the dock signs changed laws, Pas had a huge increase in business. She jokes that she "had nothing to do with the law change."
"There are no 'stock signs,'" said Pas. Each sign she makes is custom created. She meets with customers to make the sign more personal to them. Customers can send her pictures of their home so Pas can get a better idea of what to create. "It's impossible to get bored here," she added.
Pas has one full-time year round employee she hired 11 years ago. During the busy summer months, she hires three additional employees to help out.
Stop by Amy's Sign Design at 64 West Broadway in Arnolds Park, or call them at 712-332-7007, for your sign-making needs.
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The Iowa Lakes Corridor is proud to launch the Women in Business Club. To join, a woman must own her own business and want to meet with other women in business to share ideas, challenges, successes and grow professional relationships. Those interested in joining should contact Pat McGill, at 712-332-2965, or Jean Tennant at 712-490-5165. Women from throughout the Corridor region are encouraged to attend these meetings.
If you are a woman entrepreneur who would like to be featured, or you know someone who should be featured, contact Samantha at the Corridor office.
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Teachers, volunteers awarded by Corridor
 | | The teachers and volunteers involved with the Corridor's Junior Achievement pilot program received the 2011 Chairman's Award. From left, winners are Dave Raymer, Linda Kunzmann, Dana Davis, Tierny Rutt, Nicole Christensen, Donalle Rodas and Lynn Cronk. Not pictured are Fran LeClair, Lori Larson, Jennifer Reis, Paula Dicks, Ryan Johnson, Debbie Sundall and Mike Gathman. |
SPENCER - The Iowa Lakes Corridor released its 2010-11 Annual Report at its Annual Meeting, held Monday, June 27 at La Chiesa Italian Restaurant in Spencer. It has been a successful year as the Corridor remained focused on existing employers, continued its marketing efforts inside and outside of the region, launched new entrepreneurial efforts and enhanced its very successful youth entrepreneurship programming. During the year, 35 projects/prospects were generated, 11 new businesses were started, 279 new primary jobs were committed, 253 jobs retained, eight schools and 153 students were involved in entrepreneurial training, and $7.27 million was received in federal and state funding for projects.
In 2006, the Corridor began presenting a Chairman's Award to a dedicated citizen volunteer or group of volunteers that contributes to the success and mission of the Corridor. The 2011 Chairman's Award was given to the teachers and volunteers of the Junior Achievement pilot programs in Newell-Fonda and Clay Central Everly elementary schools. Junior Achievement is an organization dedicated to teaching students about entrepreneurship through hands-on programs. Volunteers from the business community come into the classroom for five sessions to share their experiences in business and lead activities developed by JA. The Corridor has included JA into its programming to help develop the next generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs for the region. The Iowa Lakes Corridor sponsors the fees associated with the JA materials, recruits the teachers and volunteers to participate in the program.
The teachers awarded were Paula Dicks, Newell-Fonda kindergarten, Nicole Christensen, CCE kindergarten, Fran LeClair, CCE first grade, Tierny Rutt, CCE first grade, Lori Larson, CCE second grade, Lynn Cronk, CCE third grade, and Jennifer Reis, CCE fourth grade. JA volunteers are Dana Davis, Donalle Rodas, Ryan Johnson, Linda Kunzmann, Dave Rayner, Mike Gathman and Debbie Sundall.
The Corridor also recognized Steve Grell of Community State Bank for his long-time service to the Corridor. Grell has served on the Corridor's Board of Directors for six years, including chairman and vice chairman positions, and his term has expired, effective July 1.
Dave Woodcock, president and CEO of Farmers Trust and Savings Bank will fill the vacancy on the board of directors. On April 1, 1985, Woodcock joined Farmers Trust and Savings Bank in Spencer as Senior Vice President/Cashier. Woodcock was appointed bank president and elected to the board of directors on April 1, 2007, and added CEO responsibilities on January 1, 2011. Woodcock currently serves as President of the Spencer Industries Foundation and Spencer Area Jobs Trust, a member of the board of managers of Iowa Lakes Capital, LLC, treasurer of the Spencer Community School Foundation, chairman of the Northwest Aging Association Foundation and a member of Spencer Hy Noon Kiwanis. He has also previously served as president of Spencer United Way, Treasurer and board member of Hy Noon Kiwanis, held positions in various other organizations and headed up entertainment for the recent RAGBRAI visit to Spencer. The Corridor's Annual Report can be downloaded here. Hard copies are available in the Corridor's office, 1900 Grand Avenue North, Suite E12, Spencer.
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Seven students graduate from Entrepreneurship Academy
 | | Students participating in the Entrepreneurship Academy are, front row from left, Hazkhett Zeledon, Taylor Nissen, Kaylee Nissen, back row, Jill Fahnlander, Kristen Salzwedel, Brett Salzwedel and Michael Peterson. |
SPENCER - Seven young entrepreneurs spent the week of July 11 turning their hobbies into businesses. The Iowa Lakes Corridor has a goal to create the next generation of entrepreneurs, and these middle school students are well on their way to becoming business owners.
The Academy focuses on teaching middle school students the power of starting their own business. The students learn how to write a business plan, how to identify business ideas, and how to turn a hobby into a business. Students had the opportunity to learn from real entrepreneurs throughout the week and had to raise capital in a mock-business setting. Throughout the week, students did research and completed their own business plan. On the last day of the Academy, students gave a power point presentation to judges Brian Dalziel of the Iowa Lakes Corridor, Pat Reno of RANCO Fertiservice and Kelly McCarty of the Small Business Development Center.
Winners of the business plan competition were Jill Fahnlander, first place with her business The Bakers Dozen, Michael Peterson, second place with his business Eat My Dust, and Kaylee Nissen, third place with her business Tots Babysitting. Other students participating include Brett Salzwedel with Birdway: It's A Bird's Life, Kristen Salzwedel with Signs for Life, Taylor Nissen with Pupz Dog Walking Service, and Hazkhett Zeledon with Lakes Soccer.
The week-long academy was facilitated by Kevin Robinson, president of Common Cents Coaching, and was assisted by Donalle Rodas of Spencer. The students came from Spirit Lake, Estherville and Royal.
Kathy Evert, president and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, said, "We thank the parents and teachers who encouraged these students to participate in the week's activities. We are impressed and very excited to see the work of the students and proud to offer this learning opportunity to young people in the Corridor region."
Other youth entrepreneurial endeavors by the Iowa Lakes Corridor are the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute, a week-long event offered to college students, the Be Your Own Boss seminar and high school business plan competition, the entrepreneurship training for high school teachers and Junior Achievement programming to K-12 classrooms throughout the region.
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Sincerely,
Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation Staff
Kathy Evert
Brian Dalziel
Shaun Arneson
Holly Pearson
Samantha Heerdt
Joanne Follon
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