Northwest Iowa Development marks progress made over past year

Business recruitment and expansion most notable accomplishments

SHELDON, IA (February 14, 2007) –15 new business expansions and 4 relocations highlight the economic success of Northwest Iowa this year.

VeraSun Energy, a 110-million-gallon-per-year facility announced the construction of a new ethanol plant in Hartley, Iowa. The plant will process more than 39 million bushels of corn annually and employ approximately 50 skilled workers.

VeraSun’s decision to locate to Hartley was based on criteria including corn availability, access to transportation, utilities and community workforce.

“The community support in O’Brien and Clay counties for our development has been outstanding,” VeraSun President Bruce Jamerson said.

Another significant boost to the northwest Iowa economy and region was the decision of MK Distributors to move from Montana to Rock Valley, Iowa. The company manufactures, sells and distributes mechanical roping steers to the entire country. They will employ 15 to 20 workers when they are in full production next year.

Woody Grabenbauer, director with Northwest Iowa Development, noted that the marketing efforts by the development group this year were significant and resulted in a greater awareness of the area and its attributes, leading to the business expansions.

“Because we completed our website, created direct marketing materials and developed a targeted advertising campaign this year, we have generated more awareness of the benefits of a northwest Iowa business location. We will take what we’ve built this year and grow our business base even greater in the years to come,” Grabenbauer said.

After collaborating informally for more than 20 years, economic development professionals in the six-county region committed to the mission of expanding the business base to the next level in 2005. Progress made this year proves the future for businesses in northwest Iowa is ripe.

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About Northwest Iowa Development
Six counties in Northwest Iowa make up Northwest Iowa Development. The counties include: Cherokee, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth and Sioux. The group was formed in 2005 in an effort to maximize resources and promote the region collectively to prospective and current businesses looking for an expanded or new location in the area. For more information about resources available to businesses, please go to www.northwestiowa.org.

Contact:
Woody Grabenbauer
Northwest Iowa Development
866-384-2665
info@northwestiowa.org