WESTERN IOWA ADVANTAGE LAUNCHES WEB SITE PROVIDING INSTANT ACCESS TO REGIONAL BUSINESS AND LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES

STUART, Iowa (June 14, 2006) — Site selectors and consultants assisting companies locate and expand businesses demand 24/7 access to the information required to analyze important location decisions. Western Iowa Advantage, an eight-county regional development partnership, has launched its new Web site — www.westerniowaadvantage.com — to provide these consultants the access they need to point prospects to Western Iowa. Counties involved in the regional effort include Adair, Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Guthrie, Greene, Ida and Sac.

Seeking to fulfill the information requirements of residents, business owners, prospective job-seekers, entrepreneurs and expanding businesses, the Web site shows beautiful scenes and includes success stories along with facts and figures. With business links to resource partners and Location One Information System (LOIS), along with tourism attractions and upcoming regional events, the Western Iowa Advantage Web site features something for everyone.

“The way our eight-county region is discussed on our Web site is representative of how we all work together,” said Jason White, executive director of the Midwest Partnership Corporation, which represents Guthrie, Greene and Adair counties, and is a member of Western Iowa Advantage. “Each county is represented, but the heart of the message is how we work collectively, providing more opportunities and advantages for all of our current residents, existing businesses and future prospects.”

Visitors to the Web site are encouraged to sign up to receive an e-newsletter on a regular that which will outline new information on the site such as news, success stories, upcoming events, business opportunities and economic development information. Other subject areas on the Web site:

Workforce defines the available workforce to prospective businesses, and provides testimonials to the productivity of this region’s workforce.
Lifestyle promotes education, regional attractions, recreation and healthcare.
Western Iowa Advantages describes financial assistance, training opportunities and entrepreneurial programs.
Targeted Industries identifies the existing industry clusters and areas of opportunities for the region.
Available Sites provides background information on available development sites and existing vacant buildings.
Infrastructure offers an overview of the technology network, road, rail and air systems and available utilities in the region.