 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 (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 5 months to make recommendations regarding organizational structure, funding resources, and staffing requirements. The Executive Committee was comprised of Delphina Baumann, President, Grinnell Private Investment Company, Russ Behrens, City Manager, City of Grinnell, Jacki Bolen, Mayor of Montezuma, Diana Dawley, Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors, Steve Gant, Chair, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Scott Herbers, President, Greater Grinnell Development, Brian Manatt, Board Member, 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. “Poweshiek County’s economic development endeavors going forward will harness the power of collaboration and strategic vision," said Manatt, Board Chair, Poweshiek Iowa Development. “With a clear roadmap and dedicated leadership, the county is poised to embark on a path of sustainable economic growth and prosperity, ensuring a brighter future for all its residents.” In January of 2024, the new board met for the first time to discuss goals and objectives and decided to move forward with a newly created Economic Development Director position. Members of the Poweshiek Iowa Development Board are: • Brian Manatt – Chair – Manatt’s Inc. (Grinnell) • Becky Petig – Vice Chair; Petig Law (Grinnell) • Mike Redington – Treasurer; Brownell's (Rural Jasper County) • Melissa Strovers – Secretary; Grinnell College, Office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research (Grinnell) • Diana Dawley – Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors (Rural) • Delphina Baumann – Grinnell Private Investment Company (Grinnell) • Julie Davis – Grinnell City Council (Grinnell) • Ashtyn Beek – Iowa Valley Community College (At Large) • Andy Erselius – AE Realty, Inc. (Montezuma) "The reimagination of Poweshiek Iowa Development and the search for an Executive Director represent pivotal moments in our collective effort to drive economic growth in Poweshiek County. said Baumann, Board Member of Poweshiek Iowa Development and President of Grinnell Private Investment Company. “We are excited to welcome an experienced leader who will help us realize our aspirations, leverage our strengths, and foster innovation and opportunity throughout our region," Poweshiek Iowa Development is now accepting applications for the newly created Executive Director position, seeking an experienced and visionary Economic Development Director to drive economic growth and prosperity throughout Poweshiek County. 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 county-wide. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a background in economic development or business attraction, and a commitment to positively impacting Poweshiek County. If you are passionate about economic development and community growth, we encourage you to apply and contribute to building a prosperous future for Poweshiek County residents. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.powi80.com. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2024.
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