(Wahpeton)– The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation celebrated its 20th anniversary during its annual meeting Monday at the lodge at Gull Point State Park. Looking back on the past 20 years, Corridor President and CEO Kathy Evert attributed the organization’s success to the business community…(click here for comment from Evert.)
While considerable attention was put on the history of the organization, time was taken to recognize some major accomplisments over the past year. During this fiscal 2012 year, 232 new jobs were committed to the region; 11 new businesses were started; 21 projects were completed; 23 acres of land was sold; there was $20.8 million in new capital investment and 825 contacts were made. In addition, 49 projects were generated, 17 existing industries were interviewed, 25 existing companies were assisted, 128 students participated in entrepreneurial training, 11 classrooms implemented Junior Achievement and over $140,000 of federal and state dollars were awarded for projects.
Looking to the future, the Corridor last (Mon.) evening unveiled its four-year strategic plan, known as the “C-3 Initiative…(click here for comment from Evert.)
Another key component to that, according to Evert, will be a study into how our region compares with others in the nation when it comes to the cost of living…(click here for comment from Evert.)
Special recognition was given to Spencer Municipal Utilities, this year’s recipient of the Chairman’s Award.
Tom Wonus and Curt Johnson, who are retiring from the Corridor board, were also recognized along with incoming board members Valerie Newhouse and Mary Kay Bates.
