July - December 2012 - Kossuth County Economic Development

Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation
106 S. Dodge
Suite 210
Algona, IA 50511
Phone 515.295.7979
VOLUME 15
Fax 515.295.8873
NUMBER 2
[email protected]
JULY-DECEMBER 2012
Impact of AG
Economy
National Ag Week is a time when producers,
agricultural associations, corporations, universities,
government agencies and countless others across
America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance
provided by American agriculture. Each American
farmer feeds more than 144 people . . . a dramatic
increase from 25 people in the 1960’s. As the
world population soars, there is even a greater
demand for the food, fiber, and renewable
resources produced in the United States.
Agriculture provides almost everything we eat,
use and wear on a daily basis, and is increasingly
contributing to fuel and other bio-products.
According to Dr. John Lawrence, Director of ISU
Agriculture and Natural Resources, the specific
economic impacts that agriculture has on Iowa’s rural
and urban communities include:
More than $30 billion in farm receipts in 2011.
Compared to 2007, corn value is up 70 percent and
soybeans are up 60 percent.
That’s $10 billion
more than just a few years ago, turning over in our
neighborhoods.
It’s estimated one-fifth of Iowa’s economy is
dependent on agriculture.
Manufacturing is
the largest official segment, but it includes ag
processing and ag inputs that would not exist
without farms.
www.kossuth-edc.com
Kossuth/Palo Alto County
Economic Development
Corporation
Ag related manufacturing constitutes 12.4 percent of Iowa’s
gross domestic product, while non-ag related manufacturing is
14.1 percent of the GDP. “If you lost agriculture, you would
lose almost half of your manufacturing,” Lawrence said.
Agriculture has the ability to multiply dollars circulating in the
economy including:
For every $1 in ag product sales, there are 66 cents that
turns over in the economy.
For every $1 in farm labor income, 80 cents is turned
over that is spent on living costs, entertainment, and consumer
purchases. However, for every $1 in ag-related manufacturing
income, $3.25 is generated in the economy; while the same
dollar in non-ag manufacturing generates $1.86.
For each job created on the farm, an additional job is
created off the farm. For each job in ag-related manufacturing,
4.39 jobs are created elsewhere; while non-ag manufacturing
jobs generate 2.36 jobs.
“This states very clearly how agriculture impacts not only
our area, but the State of Iowa,” explained Maureen Elbert.
Maureen further noted that we are in the process of contacting
Dr. John Lawrence to request that he be one of the guest
speakers at our next Ag Education Day on March 12, 2013.
“This is an exciting time to be part of the agricultural
industry,” said Elbert.
Larry Kershner with Farm News helped with this report.
www.paloaltoiowa.com
REVIVED BIODIESEL PLANT BACK IN OPERATION
AGP buys former East Fork
Biodiesel facility, is ‘fully functional’
By LARRY KERSHNER Farm News news editor
ALGONA - A biodiesel
plant that ran for just one
week in 2006, is under new
ownership and back in capacity,
in this county seat community of
Kossuth County.
Ag
Processing
Inc.
Cooperative purchased the
former East Fork Biodiesel LCC
plant in 2011 from CoBank. The
plant, with a production capacity
of 60 million gallons annually,
sat idle for five years. After AGP
made substantive improvements
and upgrades to the system, said
Lou Rickers, plant manager, the
plant was back in operation by
September 2011.
“We’re fully functional,” said
John Campbell, AGP’s senior
vice president, during a Jan. 26
open house. “We’re here, and
we’re running.” Reopening the
plant has added 31 jobs in the
Algona market.
2 July-December 2012
Campbell said a formal
ribbon cutting will be held later
this spring.
Rickers told media and
assembled lawmakers at the
open house that the plant ran
for one week under the direction
of a handful of engineers before
the commodity markets in 2006
made
producing
biodiesel
unaffordable for the new plant.
U.S. Rep. Steve King,
R-Iowa, said he’s “happy this
plant is back in operation,
putting people back to work and
adding value to agriculture.”
King said he recalled that
in the 1970s ag leaders were
puzzling as to how to improve
grain marketing. During the
economic crises of the 1980s,
“people
replaced
capital
with ideas and developed the
renewable fuels industry.
“We didn’t see large
manufacturers like AGP and
Cargill, but we saw farmers
put their funds together and
made this happen, doing
the engineering and product
development.”
He said ag lawmakers in
Washington took care of the
politics getting the blender’s
credits and the Renewable Fuels
Standard passed.
“All new wealth comes from
the field, a foundation that will
build capital over and over
again,” King said.
Campbell said AGP doesn’t
purchase soybeans directly from
producers, but from its co-op
members. Soybeans are koshercrushed in Eagle Grove. That
oil is transferred directly to the
Algona plant. Within 48 hours,
a tanker of bean oil is ready for
shipment as biodiesel.
Glycerin, a co-product of
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
biodiesel processing, is then
sold to the human food chain,
Campbell said.
Methyl ester is the plant’s
primary product. The plant
recycles all water used in the
process, Rickers said.
The plant operates around
the clock with four shifts. The
daily goal is to fill 30 railcars.
The loading area is capable
of off-loading trucks and loading
railcars simultaneously.
Campbell said when AGP
bought the plant, it had no
railcars available. Most were in
South Dakota for the growing oil
industry in there.
However, AGP has secured
the lease of 250 of its own
cars last July, with more being
refurbished for future delivery.
“Our rail customers are on
all coasts,” Campbell said.
Photos courtesy of AGP.
Growing Into the Future
Our heritage runs deep in Northern Iowa and as farming has changed,
so have we at Ernie Williams Ltd.
In 1950, Ernie bought Kossuth County Implement with a partner named
Cecil Taylor and started Williams & Taylor Implement across from the
Court House. The partnership ended, and Ernie moved to Diagonal Street
by the railroad tracks in 1952 and began Ernie Williams. In 1962, Ernie
moved to our current location on HWY 18 to accommodate the space
needed and have room to grow. With the arrival of the cab tractor in
1974, the facility was not large enough to handle these larger machines.
A new facility was built, and the old facility became Lawn and Leisure
with lawn mowers and Harley Davidson motorcycles were added. To
further reach out to customers Ernie Williams Ltd expanded to Titonka
in 1995, Buffalo Center in 1999, and Estherville in 2001. With the
locations being in close proximity and with a similar customer base it
made a great fit. As the Harley Division continued to grow it became
too big to house both Harley Davidson motorcycles and lawn mowers,
therefore, transitioning from Lawn and Leisure to Ernie’s Harley Davidson
in 2002. In 2007, our Harley Division expanded to Okoboji and started
Okoboji Harley Davidson.
Expansion and renovation is not new to Ernie Williams Ltd. Currently,
we are finishing up this spring with our Phase 1 plan of installing an
overhead crane system at all of our locations with a minimum of two
Overhead Crane System
ton capacity which will allow us to work on even larger and heavier
equipment. We have already invested in Phase 2 at Estherville and
Algona with expansion of capacity and better ergonomics of our facilities
to not only make it a safer and more enjoyable work environment but
also more efficient. Phase 2 is not just more space but improved lighting
and updated heating systems that are more energy conscious. This phase
also has learning centers at our locations for employees and expansion
of customer training facility in Algona as well. The capability to have web
meetings on large screens and interactive computer programs is almost
complete for each location. In Algona we have a 1,400 foot state-of-theart training facility for customers that include a GPS dome hook up for
monitors. We are the second in the state to install an Integrated Distance
Training facility for continuing education for our employees. This facility
allows faster and more efficient training on the latest of products for our
employees and customers.
Ernie Williams Ltd currently employees 90 full-time employees with over
half a dozen young individuals enrolled in local colleges under our
scholarship programs.
We are truly committed to our employees, our facilities, and our customers.
We are honored to be considered everyone’s home-town John Deere
Dealer and pray that our commitment will allow us to earn that badge of
honor for years to come.
Algona Store
Integrated Distance
Training Facility
Learning Center/Customer
Training Facility
Algona Store
Nick Steinkamp to Serve on Board for Associated Builders & Contractors of Iowa
K & W Electric, Inc.’s Vice President Nick Steinkamp,
has been selected to serve on the board of directors for
Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Iowa. The
board consists of five executive committee members and
seven directors.
Steinkamp took the oath of office on January 26, 2012
during the association’s Celebrate ABC event. He is
serving his first term, expiring 2014. “I am honored to
represent merit shop contractors in northwest Iowa. Being
on the board will give me great insight into the construction
market as a whole,” comments Steinkamp.
Steinkamp is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa
with a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Construction
Management. He has been with K & W Electric, Inc. for
19 years. Steinkamp bought into the company almost ten
years ago and is currently the vice president.
ABC of Iowa is a non-profit construction trade association
that represents over 450 member firms throughout the
state. The association represents general contractors,
subcontractors, suppliers and associates. ABC of Iowa
fosters an environment in which commercial and industrial
contractors deliver high-quality, economical, safe and ontime construction. The association is the premier providerr
of construction education to enhance technicians’ skillss
and to increase workforce safety. Merit shop contractorss
perform more than 75 percent of today’s construction
n
projects. Visit www.abciowa.org
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July-December 2012 3
Flourishes in
Downtown Algona
A passion for customer service, a love for creative design and
the support of a welcoming community have enabled Bloom
Floral to grow over the last year. Owner and designer Kelsey
Thompson and her husband, Ben, are both originally from the
Humboldt area. She started working for Wempen’s Garden Center
in Humboldt during the summers while attending Northwestern
College in Orange City and got hooked on the floral industry.
After graduating with a business degree, Thompson was the floral
manager for two years at Wempen’s, where she learned basic
floral techniques and developed the desire to open her own floral
shop.
“When looking for a community to start a business in, Algona was
the stand out choice,” Thompson states. “Algona had a vibrant
main street, local-minded community members and an unmet need
for a creative spin on floral design.” The Thompsons moved to
Algona and started remodeling the space across from the State 5
Theatre at 308 East State Street in May of 2011. Bloom opened
its doors in June and has been growing ever since. Kelsey now
employees 1 full time, 1 part time and 1 seasonal designer.
“Andrea Broesder is our full time floral designer and does a
wonderful job. She also offers custom printing and rhinestone
design on all sorts of products. That has been a great addition to
the shop’s gift line.”
Bloom is a full-service floral shop that offers a wide range of
gifts and home décor, plants, wine, silk flowers and custom silk
designs, and of course, fresh flowers! “I love creating unique
floral designs for customers looking for that special
touch,” says Thompson. She specializes in silk and
fresh wedding flowers and offers a range of rental
items for weddings and special events. Bloom does
wedding flowers for brides as far away as Wisconsin
or the Twin Cities. For everyday orders, Bloom offers
a wire service for out-of-town friends or family. Of
course, Bloom delivers locally to all of Kossuth
County.
Arranging flowers for weddings, birthdays,
holidays and funeral services keeps Thompson
busy. “I am always honored to be asked to create
a memorial design for a family,” Thompson says.
“I think that a floral spray is a wonderful way to
represent a life well lived. We often personalize them
with “hobby items” such as toy tractors, golf clubs or
a treasured keepsake.”
The personal touch is a key component of Bloom’s
success. Customers can stop in, call, or order via
email or online at www.bloomalgona.com and
receive the same level of care and attention to
detail. Customers can reach Kelsey or Andrea
at 515-395-6333. Bloom’s hours are 9am-5pm
Monday through Friday, and from 9am-7pm on
Thursdays. The shop is also open on Saturdays from
9-Noon.
The Life and Times of Picray’s
Welding and Fabricating, Inc.
The business was purchased from an owner
that was retiring that didn’t do much more than
repair work in a one man shop. This was
February 1, 1977.
My family and I moved to Emmetsburg from
eastern Iowa where I was born and raised. We
started with one employee and one AC stick
welder of questionable linage. We quickly
purchased a new AC-DC stick welder and a
new portable welder. After a year or so, we
purchased our first wire feed welder after
getting a contract from a company to build
carts for pressure washers. Shortly after that
job, we obtained a contract to build trailers for
a Minnesota firm. This required another wire
feed welder and more help. Now that we
were off and running, soon more room became
necessary, so an addition was added to the
original building for storage. Shortly after that
a p
paint room was added to the building
g to
paint some of the parts we were making. After
another wire feed welder and more employees,
things seemed to be going relatively well until the
1980’s hit. We went from 5 employees down
to one in less than 6 months. After struggling
along with help of a sometimes not so friendly
banker, we proceeded to gain momentum.
We then obtained a contract when the
Empress owners wished to move their boat
from Okboji to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This
required cutting the boat into sections so it
could be loaded on specially built semi trailers
to be moved to Hot Springs. Then when the
boat arrived in Hot Springs, it needed to be
welded back together. This was an interesting
undertaking of 3 months.
Through the years, we have added more
machinery for different jobs and room was
becoming critical. We now have the ability
to shear, form, roll, weld, p
punch, and weld
AG DAY 2013
materials from mild steel to exotic metals such
as stainless steel and aluminum.
We are now doing business with various
general contractors building structural steel,
stairs and railings, as well as providing certified
welding on building jobs. We still do some
repair work, but most of our jobs are as a
subcontractor for other business.
With the capacity we have, room was
at a premium. With the advice of my now
friendlier banker, we applied to the Economic
Development for some assistance in financing
a new building. This seemed to work well and
we were able to get a partial low interest loan
to finance our new addition. This consists of a
steel span building 50’ x 125’. This should help
our space problem and we are very grateful for
the help of the Economic Development people.
This process was pretty straight forward and
seemed to work out well.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wild Rose Casino • Emmetsburg, IA
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4 July-December 2012
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of Veterans Day
By Dan Voigt, Emmetsburg Publishing
World War I – known at the time as “The
Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of
Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the
Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles,
France. However, fighting ceased seven months
earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation
of hostilities, between the Allied nations and
Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For
that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally
regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson
proclaimed November 11 as the first
commemoration of Armistice Day with the
following words: “To us in America, the reflections
of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride
in the heroism of those who died in the country’s
service and with gratitude for the victory, both
because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the
opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and
justice in the councils of the nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed
with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business
beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World
War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these
words:
“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the
most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and
the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations
with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should
be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed
to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding
between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already
declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by
the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President
of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon
the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government
buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States
to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places,
with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13,
1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a
day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter
celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily
a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after
World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors,
Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had
fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the
veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking
out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.”
With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954,
November 11th became a day to honor American
veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans
Day Proclamation” which stated: “In order to
insure proper and widespread observance
of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’
organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish
to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this
end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’
Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National
Committee, which shall include such other persons
as the Chairman may select, and which will
coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance.
I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the
Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in
every way possible.”
On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable
Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), designating
him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.
In 1958, the White House advised VA’s General Counsel that the
1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans
Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators.
Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee’s chairman.
The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was
signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day
weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays
on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and
Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would
encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater
industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this
decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with
much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that
the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic
significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September
20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89
Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its
original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported
the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major
veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11,
regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration
of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves
the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the
important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s
veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and
sacrifice for the common good.
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July-December 2012 5
“The Bakery Is Back...and Much More”
New Shoots Opened March 1
By Lori Hall,
Emmetsburg
Reporter-Democrat
The wait is finally over. New
Shoots Farm Store, Bakery & Café
in Emmetsburg officially opened to
the public on Thursday, Mar. 1.
Since closing for renovations
in mid-September of 2011,
contractors, their crews, and
designers have been hard at work
transforming the old McNally
Bake Shop into New Shoots.
“The building had its own life
for so long, and now it has a new
life,” shared Harn Soper, President
of Soper Farms. “It’s a rebirth, but
there are still components that are
its own.”
The building’s original brick
walls and wood floors have been
uncovered. Also original to the
design of the building is the bank
of windows facing Broadway.
Tabletops and benches, as well as
the rest room doors and vanities,
have been recycled from ceiling
rafters from the top floor of the
building.
Designer Molly Spain is
responsible for the space’s new
persona, and New Shoots is all
about the details. Take a look
around. See the vintage linens
and fresh cut flowers on the tables.
Discover the Ball canning jar
lamps in the rest rooms. Find the
antique gardening tool that now
serves as a handle on the sliding
barn door, separating the bakery
from the farm store. Comfortable
old wooden chairs—mismatched
like those you might find around
Grandma’s kitchen table--provide
seating for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner.
Then there’s the artwork.
Spain created the striking wood
veneer chandeliers in the shape
of blossoming flowers. There
are paintings lending punches
of color. And there are the fun,
block print portraits of hens and
roosters, reminiscent of 19th
Century French restaurant posters.
The chicken images--repeated
throughout the business—are the
work of California artist, Rigel
Stuhmiller.
Stuhmiller’s chickens show up on
stationary available for purchase
on the farm store side of the
business. The farm store, managed
by Kim Mammen, will also carry
many locally produced items like
handmade soaps, Iowa wines
and beer, honey and cheeses,
cookbooks, various gift items,
and, of course, Soper Farm’s
own seasonal produce. Rotisserie
chickens—cooked to perfection in
the New Shoots kitchen—will be
available to go.
Saxton’s Greenhouse, Flowers
& Gifts will even have a kiosk
inside the farm store to sell their
floral arrangements.
“One of our slogans is ‘The
bakery is back, and much more’,”
said Soper.
Baker Jonathan Ulrich will
create treats like artisan breads,
croissants, muffins, and tarts.
“We’ll keep a few of the old
baked goods, but we’re adding so
much more,” Soper noted.
On the savory side, Chef Denise
Moranville will take charge of the
café.
“Denise is in a unique situation
as a chef,” said Soper. “Not many
chefs have their own herd of
cattle.”
Soper refers to the 112 head of
pastured-raised Angus cattle that
Soper Farms, north of Emmetsburg,
is currently raising.
Emmetsburg
to Build a PLANS
New Community
EMMETSBURG
TO
Center
at FiveCOMMUNITY
Island Lake
BUILD
A NEW
CENTER AT FIVE ISLAND LAKE
The city of Emmetsburg has announced plans
to construct a new Community Center that will
enhance and “showcase” Emmetsburg and the
surrounding area and fit the forward vision of our
region. The project is estimated to cost between
$1.5 to $1.9 million for a 10,392 square-foot
facility. The golf committee will be in charge
of a temporary facility during the construction
period, which should take approximately 1 year
to build. Management of facility will be the
6 July-December 2012
The view from a seat on the east side of New Shoots
shows the savory kitchen side of the business. Guests
will be able to order breakfast and lunch at the counter
and take a seat. Meals will be delivered to the tables.
Dinner will be a sit-down affair. New Shoots is open
seven days a week. (Lori Hall photos)
“Sixty-percent of the herd
goes straight from the pasture to
the store. The menu is vertically
integrated from farm to fork,” he
added.
Soper explained that the
business’s goal is to use all of their
own beef, chicken, and seasonal
produce—all organically grown.
“If we don’t grow it, we’ll try
and get it from an Iowa source,”
said Soper. “A large portion of
what’s on the menu is going to be
grown right here in Iowa.”
A glimpse of that new menu
was unveiled to invited guests last
week to facilitate staff training and
provide feedback. The preliminary
lunch menu featured a “build
your own burger,” chicken salad
on croissant, Reuben sandwich,
vegetable Panini, and broccoli
cheese soup.
“The café’s slogan is ‘Home
cookin’ with a twist’,” Soper
said. “The ‘twist’ is going to
show up in the presentation of the
ingredients.”
Breakfast and lunch will be
served Monday through Saturday
from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons will
order their meal at the counter and
responsibility of the city of Emmetsburg.
Benefits of the Community Center include:
Promote the recreational opportunities of Five
Island Lake, the golf course, the campground,
and the parks.
Attract people to our area. They will bring
revenue to existing businesses, such as motels,
restaurants, gas stations, etc.
Provide another facility for weddings,
graduations, dances, other receptions, meetings,
community functions, clubs, family events, senior
events, business events, and other recreation
needs, with seating capacity of 25 to 325
people and will include a lakeside veranda and
enhanced green space.
Create a centralized location for organization
and sign-up for all city sporting activities,
including baseball/softball, basketball, soccer,
volleyball, ice skating, cross country skiing,
snowshoeing, ice fishing, golfing, etc.
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Harn Soper,
President of Soper Farms
take a seat. Food will be delivered
to the table.
On Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday evenings, dinner will be
served from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests
will be invited to sit down and a
server will take and deliver their
orders.
Hours for Sunday’s brunch are
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
While the savory kitchen will
only serve meals at specified
times, New Shoots will be open
daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests
can stop by and linger over a
pastry and coffee.
Soper’s goal is to keep the
kitchen and bakery busy during
the day, serving customers who
come in to New Shoots. The
evening hours will be dedicated
to the value-added products like
potpies.
“I want New Shoots to be a
destination. We hope to bring in
folks from throughout the region,”
Soper concluded. “It’s a kind
of ‘back to the future.’ We’re
promoting an eating style that
people have forgotten, but we’re
going to help them remember.”
The Community Center has received
commitments of:
$500,000 from the City of Emmetsburg
$250,000 from Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities
$10,000 from Palo Alto County
$255,000 in private donations.
Additional moneys may potentially be
obtained from grants and benefactors, including
the possibility of a Community Action Tourism
(CAT) Grant. A Capital Campaign will be
organized for the remaining portion.
The new Community Center will not affect the
Five Island Golf Course. Golf will be one of many
activities managed from the center, which will
charge for the costs involved in an activity. For
example, anyone can golf for the cost of green
fees or reserve the building for special events
for a rental fee, etc. The Community Center will
not charge membership fees to use. This will be
a public facility and open to everyone.
GOLD-EAGLE COOPERATIVE
Technological advances lead by scientific facts often
are the driving forces behind innovation. The farmers in and
around Titonka will soon be able to take advantage of these
innovations. Gold-Eagle Cooperative will soon complete a
new grain facility that supports close to 3 million bushels of storage capacity, a 20,000
bushel per hour (bph) receiving system, a 6,000 bph grain dryer, both inbound /
outbound scales, and many other features. Gold-Eagle Cooperative recognizes that
producers are capable of farming more acres at a faster pace and are committed to
providing the infrastructure to support the increased demand and satisfy the “need for
speed”. Several of the main goals in the development and design of the project are
to provide area producers with: a facility that is highly accessible, that is focused on
improved speed, efficiency, and throughput, and that supports the most current, up-to- Overall site view
showing the
date, and advanced technology.
With the emphasis on speed, the design of the new facility will allow for a semi- orientation of the
wet bin in relation
hopper to be dumped every 2.85 minutes after it has been weighed “in” on the to the dry bins.
inbound scale. This is accomplished through a 1,400 bu hopper inside the 20,000
bph receiving pit. The storage capacity of the new facility is comprised of four 105’
diameter x 123’-4” peak height grain bins. One of these bins is a specifically designed
“wet” bin and is used to supply grain to the dryer if needed. Each of these bins sits on
530 Geopiers, includes 82,100 lbs. of rebar, 580 cu yds. of concrete, and 574,981
lbs. of steel.
After the facility has been filled, the grain will be loaded-out via an 8,500 bph
reclaim system, supported by massive track-driven zero-entry bin sweeps. These bin
sweeps were chosen as further protection for employee safety and in order to be
in compliance with OSHA’s zero-entry policy. With the individual components of
the reclaim system integrated together, it will load a semi-hopper every 6.7 minutes.
Lastly, the truck will be weighed “out” through the outbound scale, where a remote
scale ticket printer will print the weigh ticket.
Winter
construction with
Critical to the successful operation of the facility are the electrical and programmable
two bins under
logic controller (PLC) systems, which were implemented by Gold-Eagle’s talented group
roof and a third
of electricians and programmers. Once through the electrical meter, the facility is fed
just beginning
through a Switchgear and into two 1,000 kVA transformers. A separate electrical
the process.
building is home to a vast array of electrical and PLC equipment. All of this equipment
allows for the entire facility to be operated by as few as two employees, with integrated
touch screen display panels.
Gold-Eagle Cooperative is extremely excited to bring the new facility online. We
intend to not only better serve our existing customer base, but continue to expand to
potential new customers areas. As summer progresses and harvest approaches, an
open house is planned to provide area farmers the opportunity to see the facility prior
to delivering their first loads.
Southeast view
showing three dry
bins behind a tree
break. Each dry
bin has a capacity
of approximately
740,000 bushels.
Early stages of
dirt work with a
deep excavation
showing the
forming for the
tunnel floor.
Wall forms set
and braced for the
receiving pit and
tunnel, waiting on
concrete.
Forbes Ranks Snap-on Number One in
“Best Franchises to Start for the Buck” Listing
KENOSHA, Wis. – February 16, 2012–The Snap-on Tools Franchise
opportunity heads the list in the Forbes February 27, 2012 edition’s
article on the ten best franchises to start, entitled “Proven Path.” Forbes
determined the ranking after evaluating data from 110 of the most
established names in franchising.
“Snap-on is honored to be designated the top franchise opportunity
by Forbes,” said Nick Pinchuk, Snap-on Incorporated chairman and
chief executive officer. “Snap-on is consistently recognized as the most
preferred tool brand among vehicle service professionals. We believe
our strong brand equity, unmatched customer connection, award
winning innovation, available in-house financing, focused training and
general support make the Snap-on business model a quality opportunity
for potential franchisees. Forbes’ recognition reinforces that belief and
underscores our conviction that the success of each of our franchisees is
a win for Snap-on.”
The methodology for the ranking was based on average initial
investment, total locations, closure rate over the last three years, growth
in the number of U.S. outlets in the last three years and the number of
training hours as a percentage of startup cost.
Snap-on has witnessed continuous improvement in its franchising
operations during the past several years and remains committed to
making investments to strengthen its network; including offering discounts
for veterans and former military personnel. More information on the
Snap-on franchise opportunity can be found at Snaponfranchise.com,
including a virtual mobile store tour.
ABOUT SNAP-ON:
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer
and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and
systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products
and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics
software, information and management systems, shop equipment and
other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as
for customers in industries, including aviation, aerospace, agriculture,
construction, government and military, mining, natural resources and
power generation. Products and services are sold through the company’s
franchisee, company-direct, distributor and internet channels. Founded in
1920, Snap-on is a $2.9 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in
Kenosha, Wisconsin.
For additional information on Snap-on, visit www.snapon.com or:
Media contact: Richard Secor 262/656-5561
Investor contact: Leslie Kratcoski 262/656-6121
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
July-December 2012 7
MANUFACTURING
Specializing in Fertilizer Placement
Montag
Manufacturing
has
become recognized as one of the
most technologically advanced
agriculture equipment companies
in the dry fertilizer business. From
the unique air flow chambers to
their low horsepower requirements,
Montag units are recognized as
being not only the most accurate
in row to row applications, but
also the most efficient in terms of
horsepower required to operate
the system.
Montag Manufacturing grew
out of the original patented idea
for the unique air chambers of
its founder and president, Roger
Montag, in 1986. The need for a
better cart to carry the dry fertilizer
units soon led to the introduction of
the unique auto steerable carts. As
interest in the cart and the meter
made with the unique air chambers
increased, it became clear that the
time had come to set up the family
business and start selling the
cart and meter. So, in 2005 we
incorporated the family business
as Montag Manufacturing, Inc.
and started selling our products to
the farming industry. In 2008 we
moved from the family farm outside
of West Bend to Emmetsburg and
rented the former spec building
in the industrial park from
Easy Automation. In 2012 we
purchased the building and added
on new offices.
Montag Manufacturing continues
to introduce technology into the
farming industry through its recent
announcement of a tracked version
of its unique auto steer carts.
These tracked carts are built on
a sturdy 12 ton frame and still
keep the ability to be easily pulled
and backed up that Montag Auto
Steerable carts are known for.
What makes Montag dry
fertilizer systems the standard for
the industry?
They are built to last: Everything
that comes into direct contact with
the fertilizer is 300 series food
grade stainless steel, rubber, or
plastic.
Our frames are also
painted with chemical resistant
paint.
Our built-in accuracy: We split
air first and then meter in the
measured amount of fertilizer.
Thus, as long as our metering
augers are accurate, you will get
the same amount of fertilizer from
each row.
Our low hydraulic horsepower
requirements: We rely on the speed
of the air and not pressure. So all
of the power is used to move the
fertilizer not wasted in pressurizing
a system.
Auto Steerable Carts: These carts
are designed to automatically
steer behind whatever implement
is pulling them. They come in 6, 9
and 12 ton sizes.
Ability to save you money in
fertilizer applications: In university
studies, banding has shown equal
or better yields to broadcasting
while permitting the reduction in the
amount of fertilizer applied. This
reduction can be anywhere from
30 to 50%, saving a substantial
amount of money for you.
Readily adaptable to precision
agriculture: Our hydraulically
controlled meters provide for
variable rate application through
GPS technology.
High rate application: Montag
units are the only air system in the
industry that can handle rates as
high as 1000 lbs per acre while
running at 5 MPH.
Montag dry fertilizer units come
in two sizes, 6 and 9 ton. Both
come in row outlet sizes of 8, 12,
16 and 24 rows. We also have
dual product units in 8 and 12
row models. All of these sizes are
available in a high output version
for applications that require large
amounts of fertilizer (up to 1000
lbs per acre at 5 MPH). Our
standard units can adequately
control rates as low as 30 lbs per
acre up to 600 lbs per acre.
Montag also provides liquid units
that mount on our auto steerable
carts. These units are cone bottom
tanks with standard 2” outlets.
They come in 1200 gallon and
1700 gallon capacities.
Whether it is a highly efficient
dry fertilizer unit, a liquid unit or
a unique auto steerable cart, for
precision fertilizer application
technology – make it Montag.
Palo Alto County Gaming
Development Corporation
Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation
(PACGDC) hosted its Sixth Annual Grant Awards Celebration
on Saturday, March 3rd, at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort in
Emmetsburg. Receipts from 2011 totaled $1,912,651.20, and
grant funding was awarded to 89 projects representing nearly 60
organizations and all nine towns in the county. Palo Alto County
Economic Development Corporation was awarded $60,000 for
marketing programs and projects. PACGDC would like to thank
Wild Rose Entertainment, L.L.C., for their part in benefitting the
communities of Palo Alto County.
8 July-December 2012
2012 GRANT CYCLE
NEW ENDOWMENT FUNDS
The 2012 GRANT CYCLE was a challenge for Kossuth County Community
Foundation (KCCF) Committee members. A challenge because of the high quality
of the applications and projects and because the number of grant applications
was at an all time high (62), up almost 50 % compared to 2011. Additionally,
the dollars available for distribution, $94,699.81, were down slightly from
the prior year. Grants were awarded to 10 Kossuth County communities for
programs and projects in the areas of Art & Culture, Community Development,
Education, Environmental, Health, Historic Preservation and Human Services.
In exciting news, the Foundation is growing! There are now three
new, recently established NEW ENDOWMENT FUNDS: the Algona
Community School Endowment, Kossuth County Agriculture and
Motorsports Museum Endowment, and Kossuth Regional Health Center
Foundation Endowment. Check these out and other KCCF fund giving
opportunities online at www.kossuthccf.org.
KCCF is a local nonprofit charitable foundation established by local
citizens and organizations to improve the quality of life right here in
Kossuth County. Together we are growing to support the charitable needs
of citizens in our County. It is easy to support the causes you care about
by starting a fund or making a gift to an established fund. For more
information call 515-295-3732 or 319-287-9106.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
2012 KCEDC
INTERN
SKILL BUILDING
SESSIONS & MEETINGS
MAY 23RD
Intern Breakfast-Business Etiquette
Brenda Clark-Hamilton
7:30 am - 9:00 am @ KC Hall
MAY 29TH
Intern Advisory Committee Meeting
7:30 am @ KCEDC
JUNE 5TH
Finance & 401K Skill Building Sessions
Dan Quinlin & Jay Geving
7:30 am @ KCEDC
JUNE 6
CEO-Intern Luncheon
Work Session
8:00 am – Noon @ KCEDC
TH
JUNE 12TH
Microsoft Excel Computer Training Class
7:30 am - 9:00 am or
11:30 am - 1:00 pm @ PHMIC
JUNE 15
Intern Golf Outing
9:30 am @ Algona River Road Golf Club
TH
JUNE 19TH
Resume Writing & Building Your Portfolio
7:30 am @ KCEDC
JULY 8TH
Project Hope Week
July 8th – 14th
JUNE 26TH
Insurance 101 Skill
Building Session
11:30 am
JULY 10TH
Interview Session
& Intern Advisory
Committee Meeting
7:30 am @ KCEDC
JUNE 27TH
CEO / Intern Luncheon
11:30 am – 1:00 pm @ KC Hall
JUNE 29TH
Intern Golf Outing Rain Date
9:30 am @ Algona River Road Golf Club
JULY 3
Kossuth County Board of
Supervisors Presentation
8:45 am @ Kossuth County Courthouse
(Project Hope Proclamation)
RD
JULY 5TH
Resumes due to KCEDC if you are going
to be interviewed on July 10th
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
JULY 13TH
“Bring Your A Game” Session
Brenda Clark-Hamilton
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Holy Family Parish Center - Emmetsburg
JULY 17TH
Project Hope-Bag & Deliver products
7:30 am @ KCEDC
JULY 17TH
Intern Articles Due Today!!
JULY 25TH
County-Wide Breakfast
7:00 am @ St. Michaels
Parish Center in Whittemore
July-December 2012 9
POET-DSM BREAKS GROUND ON CELLULOSIC ETHANOL PLANT
One of the world’s first
commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol
plants is a step closer to completion
as construction ramps on Project
LIBERTY in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
On March 13, Project
LIBERTY celebrated the start of
large-scale construction with a
formal groundbreaking, featuring
guests including Iowa Gov. Terry
Branstad and State Sen. Jack
Kibbie. The event also provided
an opportunity for the newest
partner in the project, Royal DSM
of the Netherlands, to introduce
itself to the community.
In January, POET and Royal
DSM formed a joint venture to
complete Project LIBERTY. DSM
brings new capital to the project
as well as extensive experience
in enzymes and scaling up of
biotechnological processes. That
new expertise, matched with
the progress already made on
developing cellulosic ethanol by
POET, makes the project even
stronger. Together, the companies
formed POET-DSM Advanced
Biofuels.
At the March event, Stephan
Tanda, Member of the Managing
Board of Royal DSM, told the
audience that what’s happening
in and around Emmetsburg is a
natural fit for what DSM stands for.
“DSM is a living example
of the transformation from a
petroleum based economy to a
bio-based economy,” Tanda said.
“By joining forces with innovative
growers and entrepreneurs right
here in Iowa we all together are
pioneering new value chains that
produce fuel and eventually also
chemicals and advanced materials
from
sustainable,
renewable
resources.”
POET President Jeff Lautt said
the celebration marked the next
step in an effort that has spanned
more than a decade.
“POET has been a leader
in growing the corn ethanol
industry to approximately 10
percent of America’s automobile
fuel supply,” Lautt said. “Right
here in Emmetsburg, we want
to build on that foundation and
develop
another
renewable,
domestic alternative to foreign oil,
something we believe America
needs.”
Gov. Branstad noted that the
Iowa biofuels industry is a national
leader, and Project LIBERTY is the
next step in growing that role.
“This groundbreaking today is
a great example of a project that
leverages Iowa’s unique strength
in agriculture and renewable
fuels production to create another
new product for the renewable
energy marketplace,” Branstad
said. “Iowa’s biofuels industries
have added $6 billion to Iowa’s
economy, generated $3.7 billion
in household income and created
and supported 82,000 Iowa jobs.
The regional economic benefits of
this project are significant. This is
a facility that will require highlyskilled workers and create highpaying jobs.”
Between now and Project
LIBERTY’s planned start-up in
2013, there will be a lot of activity,
both at the site and from farmers
harvesting the crop residue that
will serve as the plant’s feedstock.
While
construction
is
underway, POET-DSM Advanced
Biofuels continues to establish the
feedstock logistics for processing
approximately 770 dry tons
per day of corn cobs, leaves,
husks and some stalk at the plant
during full scale operations. Many
farmers in attendance played a
part in harvesting 61,000 tons of
biomass for Project LIBERTY last
fall. That work will continue during
the 2012 harvest season.
Energy Panel
Structures
Rural Builder~December 2011 — Energy Panel Structures has
experienced substantial growth in the last year. In January, they took over
management of BBL Buildings in Perryville, Missouri after it was acquired
by EPS’ parent company, MacArthur Company.
By offering building products from the
Missouri location, the company quickly
expanded on the EPS dealer network of
independent authorized dealers. There
are now over 360 dealers servicing all
of the U.S. except for the far western and
southwestern states.
“The ability to offer our SIP building
packages along with high-quality
post frame, and commercial building
packages from two locations has really
expanded our market,” explained Chris Spaeth, VP of Sales and
Marketing. “We look forward to continued growth and we have many
areas we need to add builders to our network.”
According to Spaeth, the product demand has been tremendous
and the company has added to the engineering and production staff to
accommodate the growth.
“We’ve been in operation since 1981. Our goal has always been
to have satisfied, repeat customers,” he said. “Our products are a big
part of that, but we also need dedicated, professional builders to make
it happen. We have an extensive training program for our new dealers
10 July-December 2012
and support them with superior products, engineering, and promotional
materials. In February, we will take over 200 of our dealers on a
week-long trip to Mexico where they can relax and enjoy networking
opportunities with other builders.”
EPS employs over 175 people at its
two locations, and both locations have
undergone plant expansions in 2011
with more expansions planned for 2012.
Energy Panel Structures, Inc. was
established in 1981 as a subsidiary of
MacArthur Company. EPS is an employeeowned company headquartered in
Graettinger, Iowa. EPS manufactures
products for ENERGY STAR qualified
homes and is known for a diverse
market of products including residential, agricultural, commercial, food
processing and structural insulated panel systems.
BBL was established in 1975, specializing in the manufacturing and
installation of post-frame farm and commercial buildings. Facilities were
expanded in 1979, 2003 and 2008 to meet the increasing demand for
a broad range of agricultural, commercial and residential buildings.
MacArthur Company, founded in 1913 and based in St. Paul,
Minnesota has a total of 25 locations which, along with EPS, serves the
upper Midwest, West Coast, Idaho, Colorado and Montana with over
$350 million in products annually.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
to Celebrate 100 Years!
The Grotto of the Redemption invites you
to celebrate 100 years with us! June 22-24,
2012, the Grotto will host a birthday party
sure to rock! Activities include parades, art
shows, wine tastings, kids games and activities,
auctions, youth speaker SEAN DALTON,
Christian rock band REMEDY DRIVE, Mass with
the Bishop, a Songfest on the lawn, and much
more. You’re sure to find something for you and
your family to do! Camping will be available
by reservation only, and hotels will book fast.
For more information about the celebration or
to book a camp site, give us a call! Now, read
on to find out all about this Miracle in Stone!
Nestled in the Midwestern community of
West Bend, Iowa, the Grotto of the Redemption
is a testimony in stone, a treasured work of
art! A collection of nine separate grottos each
portray a scene in the life of Christ. The Grotto
contains the largest collection of precious and
semi-precious stones and gems found around
the world in one location. Italian Mosaics and
Carrara marble statues adorn this geological
wonder. Listed on the National Register of
Historical Places, the largest man-made grotto
in the world is often considered the “Eighth
Wonder of the World” and was coined “A
Miracle in Stone” by the Iowan magazine.
The builder, Father Dobberstein, had two
instrumental helpers; Father Greving and
Matt Szerensce. Through their 80 years of
construction they dredged a pond, built a
school, a church, a restaurant, a gift shop, a
museum, a convent, and a rectory on top of
creating the Grotto of the Redemption and
Christmas Chapel. The beauty of the Grotto
attracts thousands of people of
all faiths and rock enthusiasts
from around the world. It is
something you have to see to
believe!
Visitors are welcome to
walk through the Grotto any
time of day, all year round.
Guided tours are available
hourly, May-October, for a
free-will-donation. On tour
you will hear the spiritual, historical
and geological story of the Grotto. All tours
are handicapped accessible.
While on the grounds, visit the Christmas
Chapel which is home to the rocks Father
Dobberstein deemed too valuable to use
outside, including an amethyst weighing 300
pounds! Stop by the museum which contains
articles from the Grotto’s history, artifacts used
by Father Dobberstein, and a large labeled
rock collection. Dine at our seasonal Grotto
Cafe, where the food is divine, or pack a lunch
and picnic at our playground area near our
pond housing Trumpeter Swans. To top off your
day, The Grotto Gift shop has something for
every special occasion and people of all ages,
including Iowa and Grotto Souvenirs. Children
will love our rock collections from polished
stones to Geode’s you can break on your own!
Want to see the Grotto illuminated at night?
Music and lights remain on until 10:30 pm.
Stay at our campgrounds for just $15/RV/
night or $10/tent/night. Amenities include 30
amp electrical hook-up, dumping station, water
fill, bathrooms/shower rooms, fire rings with
firewood by donation, grills, and WI-FI. Take
your family camping and sightseeing all in one
trip! Not a camper? There is a hotel just one
block from the Grotto!
The Grotto of the Redemption welcomes
small and large groups alike! Tours may be
scheduled for any time of year, please call at
least two weeks in advance. Custom itineraries
include visits to nearby attractions as well as
catering options. Ample parking for motor
coaches and recreational vehicles is also
available.
Looking for an outdoor classroom? The
Grotto is perfect for many different lessons
including religion, geology, social studies,
math, science, character building and more!
Ask us how we can help you plan.
For more information,
visit www.westbendgrotto.com
or call 1-800-868-3641.
Introducing Dr. Abena Krow-Rodney, M.D.
Palo Alto County Health System in
Emmetsburg is anxiously waiting to welcome
Abena Krow-Rodney, M.D. to our team of
physicians on July 2, 2012.
Dr. Krow-Rodney is a family practice
physician and specializes in family medicine
with obstetrics.
“We are very excited to welcome Dr.
Krow-Rodney”, commented Mary Lee Orr,
Clinic Manger at Family Practice Clinic in
Emmetsburg. “Dr. Krow-Rodney is a very
energetic and highly motivated physician. She
selected our community because she wants a
small town atmosphere where she can be a
family physician that has the opportunity to
care for her patients from their birth, throughout
their life.”
Dr. Krow-Rodney will be moving to
Emmetsburg along with her husband Shaka, an
entrepreneur and businessman. The Rodney
family is looking forward to moving into their
new home on Five Island Lake in Emmetsburg
where they will enjoy the outdoor activities that
Emmetsburg and the lake have to offer.
Dr. Abena Krow-Rodney attended medical
school at University of the West Indies in
Barbados. She worked as a surgical officer
at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Bermuda
for two years and as a Senior Medical House
Officer in the Emergency Department at Queen
Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. She performed
an externship in Internal Medicine at Sutter
General Hospital in California. Currently, Dr.
Krow-Rodney is in a Family Medicine Residency
with Obstetrics program at UIC Family
Medicine in Rockford, Illinois. She will join
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
the medical staff at
Family Practice Clinic
in Emmetsburg on
Monday, July 2, 2012.
Dr. Abena KrowRodney is also active in the arts and will be
sponsoring, along with the Palo Alto County
Arts Council and a grant from the Palo Alto
County Gaming Development Corporation,
an African Dance troupe to perform in
Emmetsburg this summer. The Blema Dance
Company is a high energy African Drumming
Dance Company from United Kingdom and has
a performance which includes African music
and drumming, dancing, spinning bowls and
plates, acrobatics and fire breathing. They will
be performing in the Emmetsburg High School
Auditorium, August 10, 11, and 12.
July-December 2012 11
KOSSUTH/PALO ALTO COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
2012
COUNTYWIDE
BREAKFAST
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
St. Michael’s Parish Center • Whittemore, Iowa
7:00-9:00 a.m. • Cost: $15
Debi Durham
Director of Iowa Economic
Development Authority, Guest
Speaker at CEO Network Meeting
Debi Durham, Director of Iowa Economic Development Authority,
was the keynote speaker at the Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic
Development’s CEO Luncheon on April 3, 2012. Approximately
50 area business leaders from both Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties
attended the event. Debi spoke on the new restructuring of the Iowa
Economic Development Authority and public/private partnerships,
along with incentive programs and Iowa’s Gross Domestic Product.
Governor Terry E. Branstad appointed Debi Durham director of the
Iowa Department of Economic Development in January 2011. As one of
her first orders of business, Debi worked with the Governor and legislators to
restructure the department to create a public-private partnership to update and
improve Iowa’s delivery of economic development services.
That led to the creation of the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress – the umbrella
organization for the new structure. Debi now serves as the director of the Iowa Economic
Development Authority, the public arm that replaces IDED and oversees the traditional economic development programs.
Prior to leading Iowa’s economic development initiatives, she served as president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce since July
1995. She also served as president of The Siouxland Initiative (TSI), the economic development corporation serving the tri-state metropolitan
area, and the Siouxland Chamber Foundation. In both 2007 and 2008, TSI was recognized as one of the “Top-Ten” economic development
groups in the nation.
In June 2009, the Downtown Rotary Club in Sioux City recognized Durham as their Key Way award winner. The annual recipient
is recognized as a local leader who has “contributed greatly to the health and prosperity of the area through business and community
involvement.” Durham was also recognized by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry as one of “Five Iowa Women You Should Know”
in 2007. In 2003, she was named to the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame and was the Republican Lt. Gubernatorial candidate in 2002.
Debi holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Marketing and Management degree from Missouri Southern State
University. Durham and her husband Joel have two children, Beau and Jordan.
12 July-December 2012
www.kossuth-edc.com
Kossuth/Palo Alto County
Economic Development
Corporation
www.paloaltoiowa.com