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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...
The City of Manning has earned statewide recognition with the 2025 Iowa Tourism Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award for communities with marketing budgets under $50,000. The award was presented to Manning at the Iowa Tourism Conference on March 13, honoring the city’s creative and collaborative marketing efforts that have elevated the...
Growing up on a farm, Mariah Tasler said one usually just wears a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. At school, Tasler said she always liked to express herself by wearing a nice outfit.“I’ve always loved fashion, I’ve always loved dressing up. . . but I’m a farm girl at...
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),...
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird made a stop at Puck Enterprises in Manning, touring the facility and meeting with team leadership, along with other city officials and law enforcement. Puck President Jeremy Puck went over the history of the company, how it expanded from 13 employees in 2010 to an...
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced seven designated Main Street Iowa communities have reached new benchmarks in private investment in 2024, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to revitalization, economic growth and historic preservation.Since launching their respective Main Street Iowa programs, these communities have collectively attracted $100 million in private dollars...
The Workforce Crisis in Rural AmericaWorkforce shortages are one of the biggest obstacles rural communities face today. Businesses are struggling to fill open positions, young professionals are leaving for bigger cities, and many rural regions simply aren’t on the radar for job seekers. The issue isn’t always about the availability...
President of Ike Auen Distributing Co. reflects on career amidst company’s 75th anniversary
Feb 28 2025It’s not easy for a company to reach 75 years, according to Jim Auen, president of Ike Auen Distributing Co.Continuing his family’s legacy from his parents, Ike and Dorothy Auen, Jim Auen said a company can’t last this long without “a little bit of luck and a little bit of...
The Risk of Marketing Without a PlanMany rural communities struggle to attract business investment, site selectors, and workforce talent–not because they lack opportunity, but because they don’t have a clear economic development marketing strategy.We’ve seen it happen time and time again. Economic developers in rural America rely on one-off marketing...
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...
