Economic Development leaders chart new course

GRINNELL — The economic landscape of Poweshiek County faced significant hurdles in 2020, prompting stakeholders to reassess their approach to economic development.

Three years later, recognizing the need for a coordinated and forward-thinking strategy, representatives from various economic development entities embarked on a transformative journey to redefine regional economic development strategies.

Participants included key stakeholders from Grinnell Private Investment Company, Greater Grinnell Development, the City of Grinnell, City of Montezuma, Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors, Imagine Grinnell, the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, Grinnell College and Poweshiek Iowa Development, also known as Pow I-80.

Together, they emphasized the necessity of prioritizing regional economic development and outlined a vision for a well-coordinated regional strategy.

The Broader Economic Development Planning Group designated an executive committee which met over five months to make recommendations regarding organizational structure, funding resources and staffing requirements.

The executive committee was comprised of Delphina Baumann, Grinnell Private Investment Company; Russ Behrens, city manager of Grinnell; Jacki Bolen, mayor of Montezuma; Diana Dawley, Poweshiek County supervisor; Steve Gant, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce; Scott Herbers, Greater Grinnell Development; Brian Manatt, Pow I-80; and Melissa Strovers, director of Collective Impact, Grinnell College Office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research.

The committee presented comprehensive recommendations to the larger economic development group, including the reconstitution of Poweshiek Iowa Development, as a regional hub centralizing economic development agencies across Poweshiek County.

In January of 2024, the new board met for the first time to discuss goals and objectives. Members of the Poweshiek Iowa Development Board Brian Manatt, Becky Petig, Mike Redington, Melissa Strovers, Diana Dawley, Delphina Baumann, Julie Davis, Ashtyn Beek and Andy Erselius.

Poweshiek Iowa Development is now accepting applications for executive director. Reporting to the Poweshiek Iowa Development Board, the Director will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to attract businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and foster a vibrant economic environment countywide.

For more information or to apply, visit powi80.com. Applications will be accepted until April 15.