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Entrepreneur Networking
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Our Entrepreneur Networking group, Club E, is joining with the Women Entrepreneurs club! Club E meets every other month at a different location in the Corridor region. Entrepreneurs get together to learn about each other's businesses and share experiences.
The next Club E meeting will be held Monday, December 5, at a yet-to-be-determined location. Contact Brian at the Corridor to get involved in our Entrepreneur Networking Events! |
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Kudos!!
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Andy Pringnitz, a Spirit Lake alum, was crowned Iowa State University's Homecoming King!
Steve Goodenow, Chairman and CEO of Bank Midwest, was elected to the Iowa Banker's Association.
Iowa Lakes Community College appointed new members to the Board of Trustees. Incumbants Jan Lund and David Gottsche were reappointed, and new members Arden Kinnander and Jane Nolan Goeken joined the Board.
Eaton Manufacturing celebrates 100 years. They first opened their doors on October 21, 1911.
Storm Lake's Sports Rehab is celebrating 30 years.
Butch Parks, owner of Parks Marina and Okoboji Boat Works, was named a "Mover and Shaker" by Boating Industry Magazine.
Monsanto gave two grants to Storm Lake Middle School: Tornado Learning Club was awarded $15,000 and Connections Mentoring Program received $10,000.
Boys Town has opened a new location in Spencer and Sioux City. The two locations will serve at-risk families in 14 Iowa counties!
Keith Byers, a student at Spirit Lake High School, is the state champion in class 2A cross country!
Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville now offers labor and delivery!
Steve Kier, a Newell turkey farmer, was named the November Gary Wergin Good Neighbor Award. This award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right.
The Iowa Great Lakes Board of Realtors was presented with the 2011 Fair Housing Recognition Award at the Iowa Association of Realtors Annual Awards. They were honored for sponsoring two contests to reach youth with the message of fair housing.
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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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OEI Alums receive awards
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Two University of Northern Iowa students have won the 2011 Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute Pappajohn Awards.
Two OEI Pappajohn Awards are presented annually to the two most entrepreneurial students who participated in the previous year's Institute. The primary judging criterion is actual activities associated with entrepreneurship like starting or managing a business. Other criteria include academic achievement and extracurricular activities associated with entrepreneurship. Each $2,500 award is funded by John Pappajohn, a Des Moines venture capitalist. This was the sixth year of the Institute, and the first time the OEI Pappajohn Awards have been given to students from the same school.
Greg Jass, a 2011 marketing graduate from Garner, and Nick Cash, a senior computer science and economics double major from Cedar Falls, won the awards. Jass is a co-owner of TargetClick Marketing Solutions, an internet marketing company; Cash is the owner of Book Hatchery, an e-book publishing company.
Therese Kuster, a University of Northern Iowa senior public relations major from Boone, was named the Young Entrepreneur Council/Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the National CEO Conference Oct. 27-29 in Fort Worth. Kuster is a 2011 OEI Alum.
The award is presented to a student entrepreneur with a currently active business generating sales revenue. The award is based on an essay and other submitted material such as recommendations and revenue statements.
Kuster won for her business, TargetClick Marketing Solutions. In her essay she discussed starting the business with her partners, Greg Jass, a UNI marketing graduate in May 2011, and Doug Drees. She also discussed the challenges of being a full-time student and business owner.
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Shine named to
IPEP Board
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Toby Shine, owner of Shine Bros. Corp. in Spencer, has been appointed by Governor Terry Branstad to serve on the newly created Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress Board (IPEP).
Shine is among 18 business leaders from across the state that were named to the board, which is part of the restructured strategy for delivering comprehensive economic development services in the state.
The board will serve as an umbrella organization for the public-private partnership developed by the Governor and legislature to enhance Iowa's approach to job and wealth creation. The board is tasked with developing a comprehensive economic development strategy that will be carried out jointly by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Innovation Corporation.
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The Corridor
November 2011 |
Greetings!
The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation presented its strategic plan for 2013-2016 to its investors and partners and launched the campaign to fund the plan in its entirety. The Connect Collaborate Compete campaign - called C³ - is an aggressive four-year, $3.55 million plan that emphasizes the importance of dynamic connections and collaboration for our region to compete in today's changing economy. C³ has four goals:
- Assure employers have access to an adequate, well-trained workforce.
- Provide an infrastructure conducive to business development.
- Create and maintain an environment for business development and job growth.
- Enhance entrepreneurial activity and new business starts.
The campaign is being led by four co-chairs from each of the four counties served by the Iowa Lakes Corridor: John Cotton of Clay County, Curt Johnson of Dickinson County, Pat Reno of Buena Vista County and Ron Smith of Emmet County. The co-chairs announced the Corridor has received pledges from 15 investors already that have committed more than $1 million over the next four years.
 | | John Cotton, campaign co-chair told the audience why he's involved with the campaign. Other co-chairs are Pat Reno, Ron Smith and Curt Johnson. |
"In this plan, the Iowa Lakes Corridor assumes an expanded role with a new area of emphasis and approach to address workforce shortages and skills gaps," said Kathy Evert, president and CEO. "We are researching other regional models and will leverage and connect existing and new resources to ensure employers are able to hire and retain local skilled workers and help workers obtain the skills and support they need to successfully participate in a vibrant, local labor market."
During the presentation, five testimonials were given by Corridor clients: Brian Hines, Director of Operations at Polaris Industries; Don Van Oort, Chief Technology Officer at Thinix; Rob Hach, owner of Anemometry Specialists; Jill Fahnlander, Middle School Entrepreneurship Academy participant; Sandy Heerdt, Entrepreneurial Teacher Training participant.
The objective for workforce is assuring employers have access to an adequate, well-trained workforce. This will be done by funding collaborative to supplement employer efforts, creating an awareness campaign of employer workforce needs with area schools, multi-media partnerships with existing industry associations (NAM, construction trades, health care, etc.) promoting skilled/technical jobs and careers, a new marketing campaign (replacing Why Go Back?) to promote and connect the region to newcomers, creating a campaign to market businesses and available positions/training, and a regional initiative to address workforce housing shortage.
The main objective for housing and infrastructure is providing an infrastructure conducive to business development. This will be done by identifying the demand for housing across the ILCDC region by working with developers, housing groups, and funding sources to attract additional development, allowing better access to housing for workers; establishing a regional funding pool to support housing initiatives; advocating for key telecommunication and transportation needs; developing venues for residents to network and develop their leadership skills (e.g., Young Professionals groups, industry segment work groups, CEO/Owner/President Roundtables, volunteer opportunities through ILCDC and others).
The main objective for business development is creating an environment for business development and job growth. This will be done by launching a campaign to inform citizens of existing businesses, actively assisting, referring to appropriate assistance, or develop resources to address issues where resources are not available for existing business and industry, and market/promote region to high-impact businesses outside of the area that fit well with existing industry segments and supply chains.
The main objective for entrepreneurship is enhancing entrepreneurial activity and new business starts. This will be completed by growing both the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute and youth entrepreneurship programming, promoting entrepreneurship within secondary educational institutions, building on coaching, counseling, networking, and market research assistance for start-up, young and growth-potential companies, developing and implementing a campaign to educate stakeholders and entrepreneurs about available services (No Wrong Door), and championing and assisting in the redevelopment of properties suitable for entrepreneurial neighborhoods and locations for new entrepreneurs.
The Corridor closely tracks its progress on the current strategic plan. Results of the current plan as of June 30 include:
Goal: 600 new primary jobs
Actual to date: 657; nearly 270 jobs retained
Goal: Start 40 new companies
Actual to date: 22
Goal: 200 Existing Industry visits and interviews
Actual to date: 189
Goal: 16 Trade shows/Sell/Recruitment Trips
Actual to date: 14
Goal: Raise $2.5 million to fund the TARGET plan
Actual: $2.65 million
The process for developing the plan began in February. Strategic planning materials were given to staff and board members. In March, the Corridor held a kick-off event with three key presentations; exit surveys were given after the event to determine how investors felt about different areas of economic development, and what role the Corridor should have in them. In April, the annual investor survey went out, and four focus group sessions were held. In May, a New Mover Study was completed.
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Spencer Quality Housing Initiative Grant program
SPENCER - The City of Spencer, Spencer Municipal Utilities, Clay County and Spencer financial institutions have come together and pledged funds for grants up to $15,000 for purchasers of new mid-range personal residences in the City of Spencer. Grants will be awarded and administered by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust.
There are several conditions to the grant. The grant will be in the amount of $12,500; an additional $2,500 is available if the applicant finances through a participating lender. Participating financial institutions include Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Northwest Bank, Community State Bank, State Bank and US Bank.
Grants are only for the acquisition of a new, never occupied personal residence (single family, duplex, townhome or condominium) within the city limits of Spencer. The appraised value or actual cost of the home and land cannot be less than $110,000 or more than $180,000.
Grant commitments will be issued on a first come, first serve basis until funds are exhausted, 40 grants have been committed, or until September 1, 2014, whichever first occurs.
The complete rules and application can be found on the Corridor's website. Hard copies are also available at the Iowa Lakes Corridor office, 520 2nd Avenue East, Spencer. Contact the Corridor for more information at 712-264-3474.
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| Area employers benefit from internship program
Spencer Area Jobs Trust reimburses seven companies for 10 internships
SPENCER - Several Clay County employers recently accepted reimbursement checks from Spencer Area Jobs Trust for participating in the Student Internship Program. The program's purpose is to give students a significant learning experience while helping employers recruit skilled workers.
Modeled from the Iowa Internship Program, which links students from Iowa schools to internships, the Clay County program accepts students from any university or college, including community colleges. To be eligible for the state program, the business must be in the field of advanced manufacturing, biosciences or information technology. The local program is available to any employer in Clay County.
"The focus of the program is to encourage employers to hire interns and establish internship programs," said Iowa Lakes Corridor Vice President Shaun Arneson. "We encourage employers to introduce students to the area and give them a challenging and meaningful work experience. The hope is that the internship will lead to full-time employment."
2010 was the first year for the program, and two companies participated with three interns. This year, seven companies participated with 10 interns. Companies participating this year include Veridian Limited, Williams and Company PC, Spencer Community Theatre, Kruse, Cate and Nelson, Eaton Hydraulics, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, and Iowa Lakes RC&D/Grand Ave Improvement Corporation.
Students who are within two years of graduation are eligible for the program. Two plans are available: a semester term and a summer term. The semester term, which does not have to run parallel with a school semester, must last at least 14 weeks, and the intern must work no less than 10 hours per week. The summer program must last at least eight weeks with the student working an average of 30 hours per week.A maximum of three interns per fiscal year can be granted for each company. Awards are available up to $3,000 for any single internship. The award is managed on a reimbursement basis. Clay County employers that wish to participate in the Student Internship Program can contact the Iowa Lakes Corridor office at 712-264-3474.
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Revolving Loan Fund Workshops scheduled
Two Revolving Loan Fund Workshops are scheduled for the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. Topics for these events include Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, and Revolving Loan Funds, including terms, details and sample projects.
At these workshops, you will learn how to partner with several agencies in the region that have funds for expanding and start-up businesses. Commercial lenders and community leaders are encouraged to attend this free event to see how you can partner with these area agencies.
Speakers include Bruce Nuzum, Vice President of Finance for Iowa Area Development Group; Jim Vermeer, Vice President of Development Finance at Corn Belt Power Cooperative; Brittany Dickey, Development Finance Director at Corn Belt Power Cooperative; Tresa Hussong, Vice President of Customer and Corporate Relations at Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; and Jed Skogerboe, Manager of Business and Community Development at Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.
Both workshops will be held on Thursday, November 17.
Buena Vista County Workshop
8:30-10 a.m., King's Pointe Resort, Storm Lake
Register here.
Emmet County Workshop
12-1:30 p.m., Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Estherville, Lunch included
Register here.
Please register by November 10 to ensure an accurate count of participants.
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| Buy something Made in the Corridor this season!
Gift Guide is now available
SPENCER - When shopping for holiday gifts for family, friends, co-workers and employees this year, wouldn't it be nice to say that your gift was made locally? With dozens of visual artists and food entrepreneurs that live in the area, it's much easier than you think to find these local items. But just in case you're having trouble, the Iowa Lakes Corridor has put together the 2011 Gift Guide.
Paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, photographs and blown glass make unique and memorable gifts. Many of these items can be purchased at area art galleries, all of which are listed in the Gift Guide as well. Some of the artists have their own studios, and would love for guests to make a personal visit.
A new list included in this year's guide is for entrepreneurs that make specialty items. These items include all-natural candles, retractable plant hangers, wooden mugs, wood signs and barn quilts.
And who doesn't enjoy tasty treats? Local bakeries and coffee shops are making special holiday items. Many other food entrepreneurs are also listed in the gift guide.
The Gift Guide is available at local art galleries and the Iowa Lakes Corridor office. Digital copies are available here and on the Corridor's website. If you're not on the list and would like to be for next year, please contact the Corridor at 712-264-3474 or email Samantha.
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IEDA International Trade Office programs
The International Trade Office of the Iowa Economic Development Authority has announced additional assistance available to Iowa companies:
- Technical Trade Assistance Program: Staff will meet with companies one-on-one to help them determine their export capabilities and challenges and provide direction
- Export Trade Assistance Program: Financial assistance is available for eligible Iowa companies participating in trade shows or IEDA trade missions taking place outside the United States. Companies can receive up to $12,000 this funding period.
- Domestic Trade Assistance Program: Financial assistance is available for eligible Iowa companies exhibiting in specific trade shows held in the United STates when also participating in an international buyers program. Companies can receive up to $6,000 this funding period.
- Product Trade Assistance Program: Financial assistance is available for eligible Iowa companies making product or process modifications necessary to enter specific export markets. A company can receive up to $5,000 this funding period.
To apply or for more information, please contact the IEDA International Trade Office at 515-725-3139 or email at international@iowa.gov.
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Effective Financial Management Workshop
Erichsen, Eckard & Associates, P.C., are offering several classes to empower business owners. Each day business owners must account for where the money goes, determine how to improve cash flow and learn to understand their people for optimal performance. The Effective Financial Management Workshop is designed to help business owners with financial management and business skills. Find the workshop schedule here. Contact Erichsen, Eckard & Associates for more information at 712-336-2632, email Tom Erichsen, or visit them online.
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The Corridor office will be closed November 24 and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation Staff
Kathy Evert
Brian Dalziel
Shaun Arneson
Holly Pearson
Samantha Miller
Joanne Follon
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