Kossuth-Palo Alto County Economic Development Making Life Sweeter

KOSSUTH-PALO ALTO County Economic Development Corporation is under the leadership of Tom Larson, Vice President of KCEDC (left) and Kris Ausborn, President of PACEDC (right).

MAUREEN ELBERT, Executive Director of Kossuth-Palo Alto County Economic Development, reviewed the year. Resources and partners play an important role in sustaining economic development. Motivation is needed to keep the momentum going, to communicate, to promote, enhance and reach out. Two counties are working together with leaders who believe in tearing down territorial walls. Knowledge, hard work, communication and dedication are key to making things happen. Thanks went to Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation for matching funds grants of $75,000 to establish a county revolving loan fund and $56,250 for marketing initiatives for Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation.

GUEST SPEAKER Mike Tramontina has served as Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development since January 2007. Tramontina says Iowa has a pretty good economy and the state has gained in manufacturing employment during the past five years. Iowa employment is well balanced with agriculture, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and financial services. The challenge is keeping young people in the state. Along with good paying jobs, there is a need for "communities." Looking at economic development in the long range, Tramontina sees the need to develop bio science, advanced manufacturing, information technology and entrepreneurship, in addition to retaining existing business and industry.

SILENT AUCTION -- State Representative Dolores Mertz is pictured looking at Silent Auction baskets at the Kossuth-Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation annual countywide breakfast. Twenty businesses donated baskets for the silent auction.