(Estherville)– Estherville was one of three cities featured earlier this week in an economic development seminar in Des Moines put on by the Iowa Area Development Group.
Mayor Lyle Hevern says the theme was “developing partnerships to enhance community development efforts”. Hevern says Estherville is a perfect example of what can happen when that’s done, and he says that’s why the A-D-G selected it and two other cities to make a presentation at the event.
Hevern says his presentation included several examples of what’s been accomplished in Estherville since the closing of the John Morrell Meatpacking plant in the early 1980’s. He talked about the construction of four new industrial spec buildings and two existing buildings that were renovated and sold to industries. The new addition at Avera Holy Family Hospital and the Regional Wellness Center were also included, along with development that has taken place or is planned along Central Avenue.
Hevern says attracting Daybreak Foods to Estherville is another example of partnerships on the local, state and federal levels.
Hevern says the Iowa Area Development Group and its sponsors held the forum to assist its partners in becoming more proactive, examining emerging economic development trends and evaluating community transition strategies.
Keynote speakers at the seminar this past Monday and Tuesday included Dr. Mark Drabenstott of the Federal Reserve and Jack Schultz, author of “The Seven and One-Half Keys to Big Success in Small Towns”.
The Iowa Area Development Group is the economic development arm of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives, including Iowa Lakes Electric Coop locally.
