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Thank You For Helping Us Make the Most of 2025!
Dec 16 2025Western 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...
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...
Does Shopping Local Actually Make a Difference?
Nov 17 2025The 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...
Leaders champion innovation as the engine of progress. Yet when it’s personal—when an employee reimagines their own career—it’s too often dismissed. If reinvention keeps companies alive, shouldn’t it also keep people thriving?In a workforce that spans six or more decades, the ability to pivot—whether by reskilling, shifting roles, or moving...
It’s a topic of endless debate for business leaders and analysts: What is the most important element that determines a company’s success or failure?Patrick Esposito, president and co-founder of ACME General Corp.—a company that bridges the gap between public sector organizations and innovators building problem-solving technologies—even wrote a book about...
The owners of nine small-scale meat processing shops in Iowa are splitting $355,000 in state grant money to expand their businesses.Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig said the “Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grants” have to be matched by the business and these grants are leveraging investments of nearly $2 million.“This is...
Several local farms will be showcased during this year’s Choose Iowa Farm Open House and the Iowa Barn Foundation’s Fall All-State Barn Tour, happening this weekend, Sept 13-14. The events coincide giving visitors an opportunity to discover agricultural heritage through tours and promoting Iowa products while supporting local farms and...
New to Coon Rapids-Bayard School District this year is Jessica Badding who facilitates the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) program.A statewide nonprofit organization and affiliate of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Network, iJAG partners with Iowa schools to offer career development programming at a personal, classroom level. Badding...
As you sit in Monday morning traffic or attend yet another boring meeting, you’re probably thinking there must be a better, more satisfying, and more profitable way to spend your time. The good news? There absolutely is. The internet has created all sorts of online business opportunities, and now anyone...
Kids driving you crazy? Boss blowing up your emails?No matter whether you’re in a zen kinda mood or about to lose your mind, Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) encourages you to take a break, get outside, and enjoy a breath of fresh air by traversing some of our favorite trails.Whether you’re...
Greg Piklapp of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, and now executive director of Greene County Development Corporation, made his first visit to the Jefferson city council at the council’s Aug. 26 meeting. He was introduced by GCDC board president Scott Weber.Piklapp said his goal in Greene County is to advocate...
The Griffins to expand CPA business
Aug 22 2025A ground breaking ceremony sponsored by Audubon County Economic Development took place at 408 Market Street in Audubon on Aug. 19.Brady and Ashlie Griffin will be building a new facility in this location very soon. Brady said “Griffin CPA, llc is excited to announce that we have decided to build...
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and two of President Donald Trump's cabinet members advocated the need to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, remove regulations and lead the way in developing artificial intelligence at a business expo here.U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...
Rural America is having a moment. Policymakers and business leaders increasingly see the heartland as indispensable to the nation’s future health and prosperity.What are the unique strengths of rural communities? What are their most pressing needs? And how can rural communities across the U.S. position themselves as viable destinations for...
Enticing folks to buy local has always been an easy sell in Iowa. In 1843, Dubuque opened its first farmers’ market, which grew so much in popularity that by 7 a.m., there was hardly anything left.Fast forward to today, where you’ll find 200 farmers' markets throughout the state, collectively generating...
Grab the kiddos, load up the car, and tell the boss you’re clocking out for some much-needed PTO… It’s time for the county fair!We heard it through the grapevine that just about every county in the state is hosting one, but we’ll let you be the judge by checking out...
Inside the century-old, red-bricked building at 115 S. Wilson Avenue in Jefferson is master woodworker Robby Pedersen. Surrounding him are 150 beautifully handcrafted designs he builds for his customers. Heirloom-worthy furniture that includes tables, beds, hutches, wardrobes, partners' desks, and secretaries.“The waiting list is typically six months or so,” he...
How to Manage the Surge in Building Costs
Jun 25 2025The construction industry is navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape marked by persistent high costs and evolving market dynamics. Coupled with rising labor expenses, these economic and geopolitical pressures are further compounded by supply chain disruptions and fluctuating tariffs and inflation rates, which can dramatically affect project timelines and budgets...
Imagine taking a seat at a long, wooden table, where string lights illuminate the sky with a warm glow. Where freshly picked flowers stand tall and bright in vases, surrounded by tall glasses of sweet tea and freshly squeezed juices.To the right and left, you’re surrounded by neighbors and strangers...
On Court Street, standing right across from the public library and courthouse, one building is providing housing once again.As of this month, Court Street Lofts, located on 502 N. Court Street in Carroll, is officially near completion. On Friday, an open house took place for the apartments.Court Street Lofts has...
Jefferson Matters Celebrates National Recognition Of Being Named Great American Main Street
Apr 14 2025Jefferson Matters celebrates the national recognition of winning the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Jefferson Matters was one of the three main street organizations selected across the United States, for all the work in preservation and revitalization of commercial and downtown communities. Jefferson Matters Executive Director Matt Wetrich says...
Running a business? We get it. It’s a challenge! Managing the paperwork, accounting, all the regulations, solving workforce challenges, figuring out how to obtain essential capital to keep the doors open… It's a daunting process for any entrepreneur.So, where can a new or existing business owner turn to get their...
Growing Together: National Agriculture Month Honors Iowa’s 84,000 Farmers and Industry Leaders
Mar 19 2025Ranking first in the nation for corn and soybean production with over 30.7 million acres of rich farmland, Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) is tipping its hat to the state’s bumper crop of farmers, ranchers and industry participants during March’s National Agriculture Month.“Iowa’s economy is grown in our soil,” said WIAD...
From Agriculture to Auto Technology, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) will be humming as a hub of Career and Technical Education (CTE) once its new, multi-million dollar Career Academy swings open its doors in the fall of 2025.As the Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE),...
