(Spencer)– The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is out with the findings of its latest Business, Retention and Expansion Report for 2025. 117 businesses and industries in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties were interviewed. 27 percent said they have plans to expand in the next 3 to 5 years, amounting to more than $110 million in capital investment and more than 218 jobs. 86 percent of businesses surveyed reported stable or increased sales.
Top strengths identified include local business support, diversity, education, workforce quality, cost of living and location and amenities. Needs that were identified include housing opportunities, childcare, workforce training, and talent attraction.
The report estimates about 180 positions are unfilled in the Corridor region, with 50 percent of businesses having issues with recruiting workers.
The entire report is available here.
