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Celebrating the Life and Outstanding Accomplishments of Late Founding Partner Shirley Phillips
Jan 21 2025Selfless. Tenacious. Driven. When Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) founding partner Shirley Phillips passed away unexpectedly in November 2024, friends and colleagues immediately began celebrating the unmatched legacy she left behind.“Shirley's selfless dedication to her community left her fingerprints across western Iowa. She knew the power of regional collaboration and understood...

Impact of pork industry on the rise
Jan 18 2025The Iowa pork industry contributed over $15 billion in added value to the states economy and supported over 120,000 jobs in 2023 according to the 2024 Iowa Pork Industry Report sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers.In 2023, the industry reported hog cash receipts reaching $9.328 billion, accounting for 34.3% of...

Economic development organizations take a multi-track approach to sustained community growth. Supporting local small businesses is frequently a top priority for intracommunity growth, and its importance grows in economic downturns or times of crisis. There are several ways to champion these enterprises no matter the size of the program budget...

A new name has been officially revealed for the merger between Main Street Manning and the Manning Chamber of Commerce.In a letter signed by Main Street Manning Executive Director Andrea Rohe and Chamber President Kathy Singsank, the Board of Directors revealed the organization will be known as Manning Area Partners...

Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham says growth in Iowa’s economy not only depends on the state’s tax and regulatory climate, but on community development.“What is community development? That’s housing. That’s quality of life That’s placemaking,” Durham said during a presentation earlier this month at the Iowa Taxpayers Association’s...

As the need for childcare increased, thought leaders in two communities of the Western Iowa Advantage region emerged to create solutions to benefit its working families. The need for a facility in Glidden, Carroll County, became apparent when parents who worked in town had to drive their kids twenty miles...

When a chorus of fire alarms pierced a cloudless sky in Lake City on June 15, 2021, the community stood shocked as flames engulfed and destroyed the historic Dobson Pipe Organ Builders facility on N. Illinois Street. But for owner John Panning, the wheels were already turning to figure out...

When the demand for housing in western Iowa spiked as current and new residents began fulfilling an abundance of job opportunities in healthcare, management and manufacturing, Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) realized their communities had a problem: despite the vibrant economy, approximately 700 jobs remained unfilled due to a lack of...

City Of Denison Next To Participate In Rural Housing Readiness Through Iowa State Extension
Nov 23 2024The City of Denison is partnering with Iowa State Extension and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to address any housing needs within the community. City officials are asking residents to complete a brief ten-minute survey to gather input and ideas to drive strategic planning and create a vision and action...

On the heels of an economic boom that resulted in more job opportunities and options for relocating to communities with a small-town atmosphere and high quality of life, Western Iowa Advantage wrapped up its “Navigating the Waves of Housing Success” summit on October 9 to address an increasing demand for...

When executed effectively, digital ad campaigns help drive traffic and generate leads for economic development organizations. But how do you develop resonating ads able to reach your audience? For EDOs, consistent referencing of the tailored marketing strategy, or blueprint, informs strategic ad choices and the creation of ads designed to...

For a manufacturer to stay in operation for a lengthy period in its original location, it has to make a good product while maintaining the flexibility to change as the market dictates. Bowie International has done that, strengthening its position as the oldest mobile veterinary clinic manufacturer in the country...

The City of Sac City is working on securing funding to complete a multi-phase project to construct a recreational complex featuring walking and biking trails, nature spaces, and more. The proposed first phase of the project is to expand the trail within the city limits, estimated at $1.5 million to...

The City of Wall Lake is finishing up the process of addition ten new lots to it’s most recent housing division, offering the chance for new families to consider Wall Lake as their home. The completion of Schroeder’s Fourth Addition is expected to be completed within the next few weeks,...

The Greene County High School, GCDC and the Greene County Career Academy worked together to celebrate the 2024 Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 4th, by taking students on tours to American Athletic/Spalding in Jefferson and to John Deere in Paton. The group consisted of 41 students and six adults.Read the...

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has opened the voting for the 2024 Community Mural Contest, and three local communities have entered. The cities of Manning, Sac City, and Jefferson are asking for votes to win a custom mural designed by Iowan artist Thomas Agran, representing the uniqueness of the...

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has released the results of its latest business survey, highlighting expectations and concerns for the fourth quarter of 2024. ABI sent this survey to its board mid-September. The survey reflects a range of perspectives on sales, workforce stability, and broader economic conditions.56%...

The University of Minnesota Extension has conducted extensive research on succession planning and leadership transitions within the business community. Their research and resources provide economic developers with a toolkit they can use with businesses during Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits.Michael Darger, a seasoned Extension Specialist at the University of...

Shop Iowa, a statewide e-commerce marketplace initiative of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), is excited to announce the third annual ‘Shop Iowa Day’ on October 9, 2024. This day is dedicated to celebrating and supporting Iowa's small businesses by offering exclusive promotions to consumers. Shop Iowa Day shines a...

Housing development opportunities in Western Iowa and the populous Crawford County are many. State industries like manufacturing and agriculture are expanding and more housing is needed to meet the influx of new residents. The diverse population of Crawford County, County Seat Denison and the other 12 communities in the county...

Developers interested in available land in Western Iowa can find lucrative opportunities through Carroll County. Known for its many incentives for housing developers like TIF, tax abatement and $10,000-$20,000 cash incentives for new home construction, building here can significantly impact the project bottom line. Available Housing Development Opportunities with Ideal AccessibilityCarroll...

Travis Nelson and Tom Benton appeared in front of the Exira City Council during their September meeting to ask for support. The Council agreed to sponsor the effort, which opens the door for grant applications that require city backing.Nelson says, “This is an expansion of the current space (located at...

Navigating the Waves of Housing SuccessOctober 9, 2024Twin Lakes Christian Center(Twin Lakes Bible Camp)7718 Twin Lakes Road, Manson, Iowa 50563A Western Iowa Advantage hosted summit targeting elected officials, developers, lends, and housing industry champions to promote and discussion housing, incentives, and creating a foundation for community success.Click Here to Register!10:00...

Sac City officials announced yesterday (Wednesday 9/18) the completion of a new housing development continuing to promote growth and strength in the community. The Deer Run Housing Development offers 13 lots ranging from approximately a quarter to a little over half an acre in size, located on the city’s southwest...