https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com Western Iowa Advantage News Feed Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:00:53 +0000 en-US https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67641/meet-the-accessibility-200and-their-ai-tools https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67641/meet-the-accessibility-200and-their-ai-tools Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 You search Amazon for a product: say, gourmet coffee. But instead of the robust, buttery blend you wanted, you’re served with “1-48 of over 100,000 results for ‘coffee’.” You gamely tick some filters and click a few product pages, but after a few minutes, you give up and hit the... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67642/in-ai-age-recruiters-spend-11-seconds-a-resume-heres-what-they-notice https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67642/in-ai-age-recruiters-spend-11-seconds-a-resume-heres-what-they-notice Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 In today’s competitive job market, it’s safe to say your resume is being scanned, not read, by hiring managers and recruiters.With hundreds of applications being received per open role, employers spend an average of just 11.2 seconds on each resume, according to a study done by AI-powered interview platform InterviewPal... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67770/main-street-iowa-celebrates-40-years-honors-communities-and-leaders https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67770/main-street-iowa-celebrates-40-years-honors-communities-and-leaders Thu, 07 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa celebrated its 40th anniversary this evening during the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards in West Des Moines, recognizing outstanding efforts to revitalize downtown districts across the state.Eighteen projects received Main Street Iowa Development Awards, while 45 recipients were recognized with... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67521/unlocking-airport-funding-how-communities-can-turn-planning-into-progress https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67521/unlocking-airport-funding-how-communities-can-turn-planning-into-progress Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 For many communities, the biggest barrier to airport development isn’t vision — it’s funding. City leaders worry about local match requirements. Airport managers feel overwhelmed by federal processes. Economic developers see opportunity but struggle to connect aviation investments to broader growth goals.The reality is, the funding is out there for... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67262/humble-beginnings-vt-industries-celebrates-70-years-of-american-craftsmanship-in-holstein https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67262/humble-beginnings-vt-industries-celebrates-70-years-of-american-craftsmanship-in-holstein Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 VT Industries founder Roger Clausen was born on a farm not too far from Holstein. Graduate of Holstein High, Class of ‘44.He enjoyed a short, one-year stint in the Navy, came back, and earned a diploma from the University of Denver in 1950. His career was going to involve running... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67153/skilled-workforce-anchors-business-expansion-and-growth-in-western-iow https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67153/skilled-workforce-anchors-business-expansion-and-growth-in-western-iow Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Businesses looking to expand or relocate to Western Iowa have access to a highly skilled regional workforce of more than 292,000 individuals.According to a 2026 report by the Labor Market Information Division of Iowa Workforce Development, industries from manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, construction, and wholesale retail trade can benefit wildly... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67022/over-250000-awarded-for-county-projects https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67022/over-250000-awarded-for-county-projects Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) awarded grants to 24 projects throughout the county on Sunday evening.During the 21st annual event, a total of $256,229 was given to help local organizations purchase needed supplies, complete necessary projects or finish building upgrades that may not have been possible without the grants.“Our... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67019/lohrville-spray-pad-project-receives-53000-cat-grant-idea https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67019/lohrville-spray-pad-project-receives-53000-cat-grant-idea Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Lohrville Spray Pad project has been awarded a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The program offers grant funding to a variety of recreational, entertainment and cultural attractions to enhance vitality and increase tourism of the community. The Lohrville Visions organization has... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67020/developer-interest-revives-carrolls-golfview-subdivision https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67020/developer-interest-revives-carrolls-golfview-subdivision Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 A proposed housing development along the western edge of the Carroll Municipal Golf Course is back on the Carroll City Council’s agenda on Monday after a contractor expressed interest in the property. The council convenes at 5:15 p.m. at Carroll City Hall. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says Kerkhoff Kraftsmen, Inc.,... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67021/abi-q2-survey-finds-growing-confidence-among-iowa-businesses https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67021/abi-q2-survey-finds-growing-confidence-among-iowa-businesses Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Despite perceived economic headwinds, Iowa employers are showing increased optimism heading into the second quarter of 2026, with stronger expectations for sales growth, workforce expansion, and capital investment, according to the latest Quarterly Business Survey from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). The survey found 62 percent of... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67014/nominations-open-for-coolest-thing-made-in-iowa https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67014/nominations-open-for-coolest-thing-made-in-iowa Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is partnering with Nicolet National Bank to host a statewide competition to find the “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.”Now in its third year, the contest celebrates Iowa’s largest industry — manufacturing — and the Iowans behind it. Manufacturing contributes more than $43... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67015/workbased-learning-is-iowas-workforce-advantage https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67015/workbased-learning-is-iowas-workforce-advantage Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Iowa’s economic future will not be determined by chance. It will be shaped by the decisions we make today about how we prepare young people for work—and how deeply businesses choose to engage in that preparation.For too long, education and workforce development have been treated as separate systems. In reality,... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67016/main-street-iowa-encouraging-local-businesses-in-select-main-street-communities-apply-for-2026-open-4-business-grant https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67016/main-street-iowa-encouraging-local-businesses-in-select-main-street-communities-apply-for-2026-open-4-business-grant Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Main Street Iowa’s Open 4 Business grant application period is now open for Main Street district businesses to utilize for expenses that encourage development. Each Main Street community across the state can submit one application for a business located in the designated district for up to $25,000 in funding for... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67017/heartland-bank-celebrates-125-years https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67017/heartland-bank-celebrates-125-years Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Since 1901, Heartland Bank has remained family owned to continue local decision making and community support.The bank’s fifth and newest branch opened in Jefferson in 2020 at a temporary downtown location, and moved into their permanent building two years later.Scott Weber, vice-president of the Jefferson branch, said this is what... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66708/carroll-chamber-of-commerce-annual-banquet-coverage-from-1380-kcim https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66708/carroll-chamber-of-commerce-annual-banquet-coverage-from-1380-kcim Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 The Carroll Chamber of Commerce recently recognized several individuals and businesses at its Chamber Banquet held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Carrollton Inn, as reported by 1380 KCIM. Click any business award or community service recognition below to read more about each honored recipient.New Business Awards:Crossroads Nutrition was recognized... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67018/housing-developments-earn-area-impact-awards https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/67018/housing-developments-earn-area-impact-awards Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 An increase in local housing options gained recognition from the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) during their Regional Housing Summit on Friday.The Jeffersonian Middle School housing renovation project, led by Chris Deal and Tracy Deal, and the Origin Homes Jefferson development each won 2025 Housing Impact Awards.“This region has so... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66709/ccgp-names-schweers-next-executive-director-schable-to-direct-carroll-chamber-of-commerce https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66709/ccgp-names-schweers-next-executive-director-schable-to-direct-carroll-chamber-of-commerce Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 The Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) and Carroll Chamber of Commerce have announced a new leadership structure with the hire of Adam Schweers and the promotion of Ashley Schable. Schweers has been named executive director, overseeing both organizations, while Schable will serve as the Chamber director. This shift will see... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66591/what-companies-need-from-modern-manufacturing-sites https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66591/what-companies-need-from-modern-manufacturing-sites Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 It’s official — manufacturing projects are the hottest ticket in town. Manufacturing projects are among the most competitive investments in today’s site selection landscape. For companies evaluating expansion or relocation, a single manufacturing facility can represent a multiyear commitment of capital, labor and operational risk. Construction costs, supplier contracts, salaries... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66924/economic-developer-role-shifting-from-dealmaking-to-systems-stewardship https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66924/economic-developer-role-shifting-from-dealmaking-to-systems-stewardship Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 You're in a meeting about childcare.Not business attraction, not incentives, not site selection. Childcare. Three employers told you the same thing last quarter: they can't fill the second shift because parents can't find care after 6:00 p.m. So now you're at a table with the United Way, a hospital HR... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66701/new-byob-build-your-own-business-event-launches-in-jefferson-to-assist-entrepreneurs https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66701/new-byob-build-your-own-business-event-launches-in-jefferson-to-assist-entrepreneurs Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners have a new home for growth and connection. BYOB: Build Your Own Business, a quarterly event series designed to support the Greene County small business community, officially kicks off its inaugural session on Monday, March 2.BYOB offers a collaborative environment to learn, connect, and... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66212/what-site-consultants-want-to-see-on-your-economic-development-website https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66212/what-site-consultants-want-to-see-on-your-economic-development-website Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Your economic development website is more than a brochure — it’s your digital front door for site selectors, corporate location advisors, and potential investors. When consultants evaluate communities, the first impression often comes from your online presence. A strong digital marketing strategy for economic development begins with a website that... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/66388/building-momentum-for-iowa-business-in-2026 https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/66388/building-momentum-for-iowa-business-in-2026 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 The start of a new year is always an exciting time. It is a chance to reflect, set goals, and build momentum for what is ahead. At ABI, we are energized by the possibilities for 2026 and the opportunity to continue serving our members across Iowa.Having completed my first full... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65851/thank-you-for-helping-us-make-the-most-of-2025! https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65851/thank-you-for-helping-us-make-the-most-of-2025! Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) exists to help forge the close links between community and business leaders, working together to bring economic, workforce, and community development to our region.And we can’t do it without the amazing partnerships we share with all of you!As we put the wrap on 2025, we wanted... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65962/ikmmanning-receives-iowa-stem-best-grant-funds https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65962/ikmmanning-receives-iowa-stem-best-grant-funds Sat, 13 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 IKM-Manning High School will receive additional support from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to expand its student-run business as part of the STEM BEST Program. BEST, which stands for Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers, will help the district strengthen work-based learning opportunities during the 2025-26 school year through IKM-Manning’s... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/65984/aiforward-content-strategies-for-economic-developers-how-to-promote-your-community-in-2026 https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/65984/aiforward-content-strategies-for-economic-developers-how-to-promote-your-community-in-2026 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 As economic developers look for new ways to promote their communities online, adapting to an AI-driven search landscape has become essential. At Golden Shovel Agency, we’re helping organizations rethink their 2026 content strategies to ensure their communities stand out—both to people and to artificial intelligence.Economic Developers Must Adapt to the...