https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com Western Iowa Advantage News Feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:19:26 +0000 en-US 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/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/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/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... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65963/sen-ernst-recognizes-crawford-countys-3c-roofing-as-small-business-of-the-week https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65963/sen-ernst-recognizes-crawford-countys-3c-roofing-as-small-business-of-the-week Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst on Monday named 3C Roofing & Construction of Crawford County as her latest Small Business of the Week. Ernst highlighted the Schleswig company for its long history of community service and dependable workmanship. Ernst, the Republican chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, has and will... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66246/the-skilled-trades-are-ready-for-a-digital-future https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/66246/the-skilled-trades-are-ready-for-a-digital-future Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Navigating the intricacies of the skilled trades industry has never been straightforward, but today we’re standing at a crossroads defined by two unprecedented barriers.On one hand, a growing wave of retirees is leaving a gaping hole in the workforce. As millions of seasoned workers leave their positions, employers are racing... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/65731/us-opportunity-zones-what-opportunity-zones-permanence-means-for-corporate-investors https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/news-archives/p/item/65731/us-opportunity-zones-what-opportunity-zones-permanence-means-for-corporate-investors Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Anyone planning to make a location decision in the coming years should be paying attention to Opportunity Zones, the federal capital gains tax incentive designed to drive productive investment into low-income areas across the country.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made Opportunity Zones (OZs) a permanent feature of the... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65644/ieda-announces-historic-preservation-tax-credit-to-develops-transforming-old-jefferson-high-school-building-into-apartments https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65644/ieda-announces-historic-preservation-tax-credit-to-develops-transforming-old-jefferson-high-school-building-into-apartments Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announces more than $23 million in awards through the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, with one project located in Jefferson. Developers of the Jefferson High School rehabilitation project, have been awarded nearly $2.5 million to cover a portion of the $8 million project to... https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65501/does-shopping-local-actually-make-a-difference https://www.westerniowaadvantage.com/news-and-resources/p/item/65501/does-shopping-local-actually-make-a-difference Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 The countdown to Christmas is on! And over the next few weeks we’ll all probably hear the words “shop local” dozens of times.Regardless of age, most people love the idea of it. A recent article from Forbes noted that Boomers (80%) and Gen X (77%) were all about buying from...