Kossuth Palo Alto Economic Development Crop Jan-June Newsletter

Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation

www.kossuth-edc.com www.paloaltoiowa.comKossuth/Palo Alto CountyEconomic Development

Corporation

106 S. Dodge Suite 210 Algona, IA 50511 Phone 515.295.7979 Fax 515.295.8873 [email protected]

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 1 JANUARY-JUNE 2013

The Christmas and Holiday retail season easily outshines other times of the year in sales, but it can also be the most exhausting. With proper planning and preparation, it can be not only a successful and memorable season, but in the most positive sense of the word, an enjoyable one for owners, managers, staff, and certainly customers.

LET’S START . . .• Having all salespeople read company ads, catalogs, literature, Facebook,

Twitter and Blogs before customers come in with questions and inquiries. An uninformed salesperson is bad for business. Also check out everything about the competition.

• Staying open longer hours. You want your community to shop locally -- so make it easier for your customers that have a job and are working.

• Establishing dress codes for employees and enforcing these dress codes. (Even if there is a uniform -- it should be clean, neat, etc.) Employees are the representatives of the store and should project the image the store wants to convey.

• Greeting everyone who walks through the door. Coming up with different greetings -- so customers don’t hear the same greeting over and over when shopping in the store.

• Making it comfortable for customers to shop. Adjusting the thermostat because customers may be wearing coats and the staff can wear a sweater. Perhaps a rack for customer’s coats and a place to check packages.

• Having employees identify themselves when answering the phone. This adds a professional touch and provides the caller with a person to identify with on the other end of the line.

• Cleaning up the cash-wrap area as-you-go and putting everything in its place. Customers are concerned about transaction accuracy and your

Business-Building Remindersto Share with your Community Merchants

services, i.e., shipping, if this area is a mess with clutter and food.• Listening, really listening to customers. If you don’t really listen and show

customers the wrong merchandise -- they will assume you don’t have what they are looking for and leave.

• Stocking and cleaning during hours when the store is not open. Doing these chores when the store is open is inconsiderate to shoppers and doesn’t convey a professional image. Instead have the staff mingle with the customers and help with suggestions.

• Having all cash registers open when the store is busy. An extra staff member can mingle with the customers in line -- making additional suggestions.

• Getting everyone on board. Ensuring that everyone in the organization understands what the winning advantage is and what their role is in supporting it.

• Making every customer feel special.

LET’S STOP . . .• Trying to get a head start on store closing times. Vacuuming while the store

is still open is rude and should be done after the store closes.• Helping phone inquiries while other customers are in the store waiting to be

helped. The customer in the store should take precedence. Have someone besides the cashier answer the phone.

• Running out of sale items or advertised specials early on the fi rst day of the promotion. A product should not be advertised unless there is suffi cient stock.

• Using the store phone for personal calls. Source: Barbara Wold International

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2 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

BANCROFT – More details have been made public regarding the purchase of the former SkyJack building in Emmetsburg by Aluma Ltd. of Bancroft. The purchase of the 105,000 square foot facility was announced Monday morning.

According to Aluma President Mike Lloyd, Aluma agreed to terms with SkyJack Manufacturing, Inc. of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, to purchase their former manufacturing facility, located on Highway 4 South in Emmetsburg to facilitate expansion of Aluma’s business.

“The expansion is necessary to support the production requirements of Aluma’s growing network of aluminum trailer dealers,“ Lloyd explained. “This facility will provide space for warehousing, production, research and development of the enclosed trailer line.”

The former SkyJack building has been vacant since the fi rm, which built construction man lift equipment, closed its operations in Emmetsburg nearly three years ago.

“Over the past two and a half years, our growth has exceeded our forecasts and we needed

to secure additional space quickly to secure the contracts within our dealer network,” Lloyd said. “This expansion will provide the capacity necessary to meet the needs of our current dealers and will allow us to pursue additional opportunities that weren’t possible with our existing facility.”

Currently, Aluma operates out of a facility in Bancroft, where Dean Maschoff founded the fi rm in 1992. The company grew rapidly from that start into a 12,000 square foot building in Bancroft in 1995. Just three years later, demand for Aluma’s products prompted the doubling of the facility to its current size of 24,000 square feet.

Aluma, Ltd. builds over 60 different models and types of aluminum utility trailers for ATV, utility, motorcycle, raft, watercraft, car hauler, snowmobile and enclosed trailers along with picnic tables. Currently, the Bancroft facility manufactures 50 trailers per day.

“We were very pleased that Aluma, Ltd. has purchased the former SkyJack building in Emmetsburg to expand their trailer product line,” noted Maureen Elbert, Executive Director of

Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation. “With the potential of creating 20-25 new jobs, this will certainly inject additional dollars into our local economy. The realtors worked very hard to get the building sold and it has truly been a pleasure to work with all of our local partners for fi nancial incentives which included the City of Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County offi cials and the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corp. Board of Directors. This is an exciting time and great opportunity for our area.”

The closing date for the sale was November 1st. Once updates and preparations have been completed to the structure, plans call for the facility to be operational by spring of 2013. The enclosed trailer line will be moved from the Bancroft plant to Emmetsburg. According to Lloyd, this move should help shorten lead times on orders from 8 - 10 weeks to 5 - 6 weeks.

Aluma offi cials expect to add 20 to 25 new jobs over the next three years with the expansion into Emmetsburg.

by Dan Voigt, Emmetsburg Publishing

Aluma Announces Expansion To Emmetsburg Location

From left to right are Palo Alto County Gaming Board members Bill Lapczenski and Lloyd C. Petersen, Mike Lloyd of Aluma, Ltd, Maureen Elbert of KPACEDC, and PACGBC members

Skip Wallace and Kay Suhr. PACGDC presented Aluma Ltd with an incentive check of $22,500 to assist the fi rm in opening a location in Emmetsburg.

January-June 2013 3www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

What does your health mean to you? Having the ability to play with your kids? Walking through the woods to your deer stand? Or maybe it’s just waking up every day and feeling great.

My name is Dr. Rebecca Walker and my passion lies in health. My husband, Dr. Jacob Walker, and I believe that an active lifestyle, eating right and a positive outlook can make all the difference to living the life you want. For that reason, we are thrilled to start our lives at Walker Chiropractic & Wellness in Algona, Swea City and the surrounding area.

While Dr. Jacob’s history started as a hometown boy from Algona, mine began in Bemidji, MN. But in 2009, plans for an education with a natural approach to health care brought us both to Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn. We met, we married and we moved.

Our decision to bring Walker Chiropractic & Wellness to Kossuth County came after a long road of trials and tribulations in establishing a new business. It wasn’t exactly clear where our practice would begin but we felt a calling to serve the Algona community. Shortly after we found an unexpected opportunity; the need for a health care professional at the Main Street Manor in Swea City. It was a blessing to fi nally fi nd our calling here, and on August 6, we opened our doors to the fi rst of our two locations in Swea City. The Algona location has been open since September 10.

Both of our Algona and Swea City offi ces offer complete chiropractic examinations and treatment that focuses on the individual. Walker Chiropractic & Wellness also provides DOT physicals, athletic physicals, meal planning and nutritional

consultation incorporated with First Line Therapy. We believe that good health comes from a change in lifestyle, not just a diet.

We have already been so blessed in our lives with a great education, letting us pursue our dreams to serve others. And, further, we are thankful for the opportunity to make our business a reality with the help of the Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation. They have been a great support, and we appreciate their belief in Walker Chiropractic & Wellness, helping equip us to serve the communities of Kossuth County.

We look forward to meeting you, serving you, and becoming a permanent part of these communities!

Calling Kossuth County Home for

Husband-Wife Chiropractic Team

Mid Iowa Growth Partnership recently unveiled a television segment produced and aired on the “Today in America” program hosted by Terry Bradshaw. It is part of the “Best Places to Live, Work and Play in the 21st Century” in the “Discover America” series. The segment aired nationally on FOX Business Network and CNN Headline News in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis markets.

An educational feature, this half-hour program is designed to educate business professionals & consumers on topics, trends and issues related to today’s ever-changing business and global economic issues. The program will invite associations as well as third party representatives as the “experts” within their industry.

The segment highlights the rationale behind forming our nine county partnership, features business owners who moved away but came back to start a business and raise a family, promotes small town living, and introduces America to the heart of business and industry in our region.

The segment can be viewed on the MIGP and K/PACEDC web sites: www.midiowagrowth.com, www.kossuth-edc.com, and www.paloaltoiowa.com.

MIGP Unveils Television Segment for “Today In America”


In less than two years, Woodford Equipment has grown to become an international dealer of ag equipment.

Eric and Mary Woodford moved to Emmetsburg and opened Woodford Equipment two years ago. They are located at the corner of Highway 4 and 25th Street, south Emmetsburg.

“Our customers have been just great,” said Eric. “Many are our neighbors and friends, so they’re not just our customers.”

The Woodfords’ business has grown and they have learned in the process.“When we came here, we were on the other side of the desk. We were

the equipment buyers,” said Mary. “There’s more to this business than just selling the equipment. There’s customer relations, advertising and marketing, there’s servicing the equipment after the sale, and there’s the public view of you and your business.”

Eric added, “Everything from warranty to customer training, there are many fi ne details that we are learning. I think we’ve aced all of it.”

The Woodfords see an advantage to being a short line farm equipment dealer.

“We can pick whatever brands we think are the very, very best,” said Eric. “Since we’ve opened, we’ve been able to sort through those brands and decide what suits the needs of our customers the very best.

“The more that we understand our customers needs, the more that we can tailor our business to fi t that need,” he added. “Now that we’ve learned our customers and what their needs are, it’s a lot easier.”

“When we started two years ago, what drew us to the area was Project Liberty and demand for that equipment,” said Mary. “But, like Eric said, we’re listening to our customers’ needs. In addition to farm equipment, we aim to meet the needs of the entire community. Equipment is being sold to

elevators, farmers and construction companies; lawn mowers are being sold, too.”

The anchor of Woodford Equipment is Vermeer.“We are so proud to be in the top ten of Vermeer retailers in the nation,”

said Mary. “That’s huge for us, especially just being into it for two years.”In addition to Vermeer, the store carries around 40 other brands: Gehl

skid loaders and articulated loaders; Manitou tele-handlers; Hustler lawn mowers; Unverferth seed tenders, grain carts and wagons; Westendorf and Koyker, plus many more. Harvest International augers are built in Storm Lake. The Woodfords look for quality and take pride in offering machinery that is manufactured locally.

This year, Eric and Mary Woodford had visitors from Poland and China.“In Poland they are really into anything they can do to reduce their

carbon footprint,” said Eric. “They are already selling their crop residues to coal fi red power plants. They’re mixing the biomass with the coal to help clean up their emissions. In China, they are also baling up biomass and mixing it with coal to make energy.”

The international guests came to Emmetsburg to look at equipment that is being used here to see if it will work in their operations. Some equipment has already been exported from Emmetsburg to China.

Eric and Mary, and the Vermeer Corporation, work closely with Iowa Lakes Community College. Again this year they are providing a baler for students to learn from and for the college farm to use.

“It gives the kids some actual hands on,” said Eric. “We’re in such a row crop intense area, some of the basic skills of haying equipment have fallen by the wayside. To these kids, a baler is something new so it’s critical that they get some hands-on time with it.”

Students from Iowa Lakes have completed on-the-job training at Woodford Equipment, providing valuable experience for the students

“We want to help the students, so when biomass really takes off there are technicians that know how to maintain and operate and repair the equipment,” said Eric. “It’s still exciting every time we see construction equipment drive by, heading towards POET. That really gets me going. That means reality is here.”

Woodford Equipment is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Phone 712-852-3003.

Visit their website: woodfordequipment.com—Jane Whitmore, Emmetsburg Publishing story/photos

GOESInternational

WOODFORD EQUIPMENTWOODFORD EQUIPMENT

www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2013 5

What once began as Afeco in 1972, Algona Food Equipment Company, is now Cozzini, LLC. Cozzini, Inc acquired Afeco in September of 2001 to complement its line of equipment serving the food industry.

Today, Cozzini is owned by Middleby Corporation, headquartered in Elgin, IL, as part of their Processing and Packaging Technology Brands. Cozzini has additional offi ces or manufacturing facilities in Chicago, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico.

Cozzini manufactures equipment used in the large-scale production of meat products. The Algona facility primarily manufactures material handling equipment, such as vat dumpers, column dumpers, belt conveyors, screw conveyors, pallet lifts, pumping systems, work platforms and specialized equipment such as declippers or bacon belly feeders. This equipment is designed for utmost durability and easy sanitation, conforming to highest standards required by food manufacturers. Cozzini has established itself as a leader in food equipment, capable of outfi tting plants with extensive production lines for high volume production of hot dogs, sausage, ground meat, whole muscle ham or seafood.

Cozzini’s customer base includes some of the largest names in the food industry in the United States, including Hillshire Brands, Kraft, ConAgra, Tyson, Hormel, Bar-S and internationally renowned brands such as Maple Leaf, Sigma Alimentos, Sadia, and Plumrose.

Cozzini employs 41 people at its 40,000 square foot Algona facility. With ever-growing demand for equipment in South America, Asia, Africa and within the United States, Cozzini is currently expanding its existing manufacturing facility in Algona to meet the additional production needs. When complete, the Algona facility will be nearly 60,000 square feet.

Cozzini, LLC: Proudly Serving the Food Processing Industry Worldwide

Desiree Einsweiler, has been on the job, leading Palo Alto County Health System (PACHS) since May when she was hired as Administrator/CEO of Palo Alto County Health System by the Palo Alto County Hospital Board of Trustees and Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa.

Not one to take a back seat, Desiree has jumped into her new role and is learning about PACHS and her new community. “I was very excited about the opportunity to work at Palo Alto County Health System”, commented Desiree. “This is such a great facility and I am impressed with the staff, the quality of care, and variety of services we provide. I have also enjoyed being active in the community, participating in programs such as “Then Just Feed One”, and as a member of the Progress Club, Rotary, and the Chamber FUEL group.”

Since May under Desiree’s lead, Palo Alto County Health System has hired two new physicians, a family practice physician, Abena Krow-Rodney, M.D., and a pediatrician, Anjali Henry, M.D. PACHS also added new services

including: Weigh of Life - a medically managed weight-loss program, Lifescreen - a screening for stroke, Peek-A-Boo Imaging – a 4 D obstetric ultrasound for expectant mothers, and epidurals for childbirth. An upcoming new program will include skin enhancement services such as botox and skin peels. In September, the Des Moines Register named Palo Alto County Health System a 2012 Top Work Place in Iowa.

What’s next? Desiree commented, “In September we began our strategic planning process which will lead our direction for

the next fi ve years. We received input from county businesses, community members, staff, and the Hospital Board of Trustees. We discussed additional services we should pursue and how we can better serve our community. During the planning process we heard a defi nite call for more wellness programs and services. We look forward to tackling some of these issues.”

Desiree brought a wealth of knowledge to her new role as administrator of PACHS. Previously she was the Interim Administrator at Mitchell County Regional Health Center and the Regional Director of Mercy Clinics at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa. She was accountable for 12 primary care and specialty clinics, 150 employees, 6 managers, and 34 providers.

MEET PACHS ADMINISTRATOR/CEO,

Desiree Einsweiler

www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com6 January-June 2013

Improvements are always happening at Kossuth Regional Health Center. The current focus is renovating the emergency room and lab, as well as expanding and relocating the dialysis center.

The second phase of the ER and lab project began in early September, which included moving the lab to a temporary location while renovations occurred. The lab is now functioning in the hallways that were most recently utilized for sleep study rooms and have also previously served as exam rooms for visiting specialists. Meanwhile, the lab and south half of the emergency room will be remodeled during this phase of construction. Even amidst the renovations and construction, the emergency services and the lab will remain open throughout the project.

“Some services may be moved around a bit during this process, but we’re pleased to be able to continue offering all the services in this area of the hospital throughout the construction,” said Scott Curtis, KRHC Administrator.

Renovations will create a more private and user-friendly space for patients and staff, plus upgrade equipment used in the ER. In addition, the project will increase the security of the overall facility. Access to the hallway leading to the lab, digital imaging and emergency departments will be limited for greater privacy for patients.

“By limiting the traffi c in that hallway we’ll create a safer, less public place for patients to receive care,” Curtis said.

Meanwhile, dialysis service at Kossuth Regional Health Center will be increasing its number of chairs and moving to the building formerly known as the Lynch Law offi ce on Call Street. Dialysis is made available at KRHC through a partnership with Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa. KRHC will continue to serve as the landlord for the new space, and will lease the area to Mercy – North Iowa; dialysis services will continue to be provided by Mercy Dialysis Center.

The new space is large enough to host eight

dialysis chair units, which will be an increase from the fi ve chairs that are currently available. The space required for this number of chairs led the board to seek potential locations outside of the KRHC campus.

“When our board learned that the number would grow to eight chairs, we realized that the space requirements were above and beyond what we were able to provide here,” said Scott Curtis, KRHC Administrator. “Having dialysis service in facilities other than a hospital facility is quite common and Mercy has been successful in partnering with communities such as Charles City to offer dialysis in a similar setting.”

KRHC is a member of the Mercy Health Network and employs approximately 215 people. For more information about KRHC and its services, please visit the website at www.krhc.com or fi nd Kossuth Regional Health Center on Facebook for regular updates and health news, including baby announcements.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE ATBUILDING FOR THE FUTURE AT

Improvements made to ER,

lab and dialysis to expand

it hi h ill b i f

Brenda Clark Hamilton was the keynote speaker for Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation on July 13, September 17, October 31, and December 5th. Many local businesses were able to gain professional training at a very low cost. Brenda provided professional training on Bringing Your A Game, Exceptional Customer Service, Respecting/Appreciating Generational Differences at the Workplace and Emotional Intelligence.

B R E N D A C L A R K H A M I L T O NPROFESSIONAL TRAINING


ADDS SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTHFarmers State Bank’s Algona

location is growing. With a 2,000-square-foot expansion project that began in June of 2012, the full-service branch will soon have more offi ce and conference space.

“We simply outgrew our current facility,” stated Sean Noonan, President and CEO. “To be most productive, and for both our employees and customers to have the best experience possible when they visit our branches, we needed to add to and reconfi gure our workspace. We’re very excited about its completion, and look

forward to sharing it with our community members.”

The upgraded facility, set to be completed in December, will provide a truly great experience for customers, and an unmatched atmosphere. Unique products and services ranging from checking, savings and lending will be available, in addition to a full-service drive-up, an ATM and convenient hours.

Once completed, Farmers State Bank will host an open house for customers and community members to come visit, take tours, and talk with the staff. That date will be

announced later this year.Farmers State Bank, with

locations in Algona, West Bend and Whittemore, has been a locally owned bank since 1895, with a long history of serving its communities, and helping those who live there. reach fi nancial success. The bank currently employs 22 people, and

has total assets of $105 million.For more information about

Farmers State Bank, please visit www.fsbiowa.com.

Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation (PACEDC) has established the Palo Alto County Revolving Loan Fund for small business development. The RLF provides a source of fi nancing, which may not otherwise be available within the county for local expanding or start-up businesses.

PACEDC was successful in applying for the RLF through USDA Rural Development and was awarded $70,000. USDA requires a minimum of $100,000 in seed money when applying and thanks to the commitment from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation, Palo Alto County Banks, and Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors, PACEDC was successful in accomplishing this. PACEDC has $210,000 available for small business development loans.

“A revolving loan fund is an essential tool for business expansion and recruitment,” said Executive Director, Maureen Elbert. Elbert explained that economic development is key to the survival of Palo Alto County. The purpose of establishing a revolving loan fund is to assist borrower requests for “gap” fi nancing. This type of fi nancing fi lls the void between the total cost of the project and the total amount of funds the borrower has available from other sources such as owner’s cash, commercial bank loans, and government funding. With the development of a revolving loan fund, PACEDC is able to assist small businesses with gap fi nancing. Incentives such as fi xed rate, low interest, and/or long-term fi nancing are important to a business wanting to locate or expand within our county. We appreciated the assistance we received from Chris Mercer, Community Development Manager of USDA Rural Development with their USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant.

Elbert noted that the Palo Alto County Revolving Loan Fund Review Committee has already approved a loan to Picray Welding of Emmetsburg for his building expansion and is excited to work in the future with more business entrepreneurs on expansion projects or start-up business opportunities.

The application and guidelines are posted on the PACEDC website at www.paloaltoiowa.com. Palo Alto County Banks also have information about the RLF at their fi nancial institutions. “The Palo Alto County Revolving Loan Fund will certainly assist with economic opportunities and when the loan is repaid, it replenishes the fund to support other projects,” said Elbert. Elbert is looking forward to assisting anyone seeking more information about the RLF program and encourages them to contact her offi ce at 515-295-7979.

Member

FDIC

Revolving Loan Fund Available Revolving Loan Fund Available for Small Business Development for Small Business Development

in Palo Alto Countyin Palo Alto County


Conley Nelson, a farmer and pork production executive from Algona, Iowa, was elected president of the 15-member National Pork Board Tuesday during the board’s meeting prior to the World Pork Expo in Des Moines. Nelson, who had been the board’s vice president, owns a 4,400-head wean-to-fi nish operation on a farm that has been in his family for 121 years. He also is general manager of the Murphy-Brown LLC Midwest operation that oversees 75,000 sows and markets 3.4 million hogs a year.

Nelson succeeds Everett Forkner, a farmer from Richards, Mo., who will remain on the board’s Executive Committee as immediate past president.

Nelson said he hopes to draw on his experience as a smaller producer and as a production manager for one of the nation’s largest production companies to help the board guide pork producers

through some of the tough challenges facing the pork industry. “Our strategic plan is dedicated to preserving the ability of producers to make decisions about what works best for their farms and their animals,” he said.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of examples where those outside production agriculture are trying to dictate how we care for our animals. As pork producers we must stay unifi ed. I will work to assure that all producers, regardless of the size of their operation or their production style, have a voice in these decisions.”

“It’s also important,” he said, “to continue to build trust with our customers and with consumers by demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement. We have both a great product and a great story to tell about how we are producing more pork for a hungry world using fewer natural resources. We can’t lose sight of the importance of telling our success stories.”

Nelson is in his second, three-year term on the National Pork Board. He serves on the Checkoff’s Domestic Marketing Committee, Trade Committee and Budget Committee. He has served on the Animal Welfare and Audit Committees and is a 2005 graduate of the Pork Leadership Academy. He also has served on the Iowa Pork Producers board of directors, and is a member of the Kossuth County Pork Producers and the Humboldt County Farm Bureau.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at www.pork.org.

Nelson outlined three issues facing the pork industry: 1) pulling together all the agriculture groups to speak as one to promote trust and image; 2) stabilizing profi tability in the industry through increased demand, not downsizing; 3) leveraging the limited dollars to keep productive research moving the industry forward.

Nelson lists his strengths as creating a positive environment and getting people on the same page. He has had extensive experience in developing people and teams to operate at high levels with people working together well. He is ready to stand up and defend the U.S. pork industry. He is an Operation Main Street speaker and conducts interviews with the media talking about the positives of the pork industry. He is seeking this position because he believes the current vision of the National Pork Board is more focused and is hitting the critical needs of the industry and he wants to see that vision through with another three-year term.

Information submitted by National Park Board

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013AG EDUCATION DAY 2013

Visit our website at www.kossuth-edc.com and www.paloaltoiowa.com for more information.k h d d l l f fffffb k

9:00 AM – 3:00 PMWild Rose Casino • Emmetsburg, IA


Wind energy production is already a big success story in Iowa and other parts of the United States! Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of total electrical generation from wind energy at an estimated 20% (the fi rst state in the nation to achieve this goal) and is second to Texas in installed capacity at 4,322 MW. According to AWEA estimates the Iowa wind energy industry currently supports 6,000 to 7,000 wind related jobs

which ranks fi rst nationally. Iowa is one of only 2 states to produce all three major wind turbine components with nacelles, blades and towers manufactured here! Further, almost 50% of the national wind turbine supply chain companies have a presence in Iowa.

Landowners receive an estimated $12.67 million dollars annually in land lease payments and the increase in the property tax assessed value is estimated at $2.6 billion. Over $10 billion of capital investment has been made in Iowa in wind farm and industrial development attributed to wind energy companies. Wind turbines in Buena Vista County comprise 6.5% of the total property tax base of the county!

The Iowa Wind Energy Association is proposing a goal of 10,000 MW of installed capacity by 2020 and 20,000 MW by 2030. If achieved, here are the estimated increases in job creation and economic impact. We would need 16,100 more turbines installed which would be a boon to the industry. This is projected to create 16,467 new jobs at an estimated annual payroll of $427.4 million dollars. Annual land lease payments would increase by $80.5 million and the added property tax valuation is projected to be $10 billion dollars after the tax abatement period passes in 5 to 6 years!

According to NREL, Iowa’s total available wind resource could produce 570,000 MW if fully harnessed, so we’d still just be using a small percentage (3.5%) of our total wind resource. As you can see, the Iowa Wind Energy industry can be a very signifi cant part of our economic recovery.

To do this, we need 3 key areas addressed: 1) Increased electrical transmission infrastructure and improvements in the existing electrical grid operation; 2) Adopt a national Renewable Electricity Standard of 20% by 2030; and 3) Extend the current Federal Production Tax Credit by a minimum of 10 years!

Iowa is proof positive that this can be done and with great benefi ts to our economy, employment and energy independence.

Maureen Elbert, Executive Director for Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation, was honored at the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Conference held in Des Moines on May 3, 2012. The Professional Developers of Iowa presented Elbert with an award for the development of an Existing Industry Report/Economic Analysis in the Single Business Retention and Expansion Success category.

The Existing Industry Report highlights information about Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties, such as business expansions, workforce availability, workforce quality, and provides a business economic impact analysis showing the value companies have on the local economy.

The generation of this report was truly a collaborative effort. Partners in the project included the economic development corporation, the University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making and the area’s CEO Steering Committee which is made up of CEOs and individuals in leadership roles in both counties.

Utilizing information from 192 company visits with major employers to complement data collected from the local schools, the hospital and Wild Rose Casino, the team was able to generate the economic impact report with the IMPLAN software model.

The report is used to: Identify growth in local companies, forecast economic investment, generate facts to support business attraction marketing initiatives, and provide accurate and up-to-date information for prospects, utility partners, state and county offi cials, and area businesses that request data.

Not only has this report assisted the community in working with its local businesses, but it has become a marketing tool used to target specifi c industries nationwide and demonstrate why

Kossuth and Palo Alto counties would be a perfect fi t for their business.

Maureen Elbert Receives Award at Business Retention

and Expansion Conference

www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com10 January-June 2013

Cook’s Scrap Iron began in 1913 by Frank Cook. He started on South Moore Street buying junk cars and taking furs from trappers. He moved to South Phillips St. in the late 1930’s and began taking steam engines along with cars and metals. Elmer Cook, middle son of Frank Cook, took over in 1946 and moved the business across the tracks, taking used cars, farm iron and metals, building an offi ce with storage, then a Quonset for storage.

Dwight Cook, youngest son of Frank, took over in 1957 and continued dealing in used iron and metals. In the 1970’s a block building was erected off East McGregor Street. A new offi ce and new steel was added. They continued taking scrap iron and metals.

William Cook, oldest son of Dwight, bought out his father in 1997. William put welding supplies in the front of the block building. The welding supplies have outgrown the area allotted for this, so a new building is being erected at this time measuring 60 ft. x 132 ft. It will house two new offi ces, bathrooms, large show room, storage for supplies and a large new shop area. Scrap is being taken at the back of the property, located on the south end of Sample Street.

Cook’s is hoping to have a grand opening and 100th birthday party in the summer of 2013. At this time, Cook’s is buying prepared and unprepared scrap iron, metals consisting of aluminum, stainless, coppers #1 and #2 dirty and clean, brasses yellow and red, batteries, radiators aluminum or copper, cast and lead.

In the block building on McGregor, Cook’s sells welders, welding supplies, plasma cutters, torch, gasses for welding and cutting, and other cutting supplies. All this will move to the new building when completed. The original building will house new steel consisting of angles, fl ats, channels, pipe, square tubing, round tube, rectangular tube, sheets, plates, rounds, rerod, H&I beams. Aluminum steel will also be available in angles, fl ats, channels, pipe, sq. tube, rectangular tube, rounds, sheets and colored sheets.

At the present time Cook’s employs 6 full time and 2 part time employees. Most are family members that have worked in the business since their school years. Cook’s also is involved in recycling, taking almost anything that is metal, but cannot take appliances, sealed containers, or tires.

We are located at 900 E. McGregor Street. Offi ce hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Scrap receiving is 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturdays.

We have seen family generations as customers and would like to thank everyone. We greatly appreciate every last transaction, big or small, even if it’s just to visit. Thank you!

David Vaudt, Iowa Auditor of State, was the guest speaker for Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation on June 29, 2012 at the Wild Rose Resort & Casino. Attendees included city clerks, librarians and other city and county offi cials. Vaudt spoke on fraud in government accounting and the State of Iowa’s budget.

2012

AlgonaCommunity

Schools

GUEST SPEAKERGUEST SPEAKER

David VaudtDavid Vaudt


The AmericInn of Algona broke ground in October on an 18 room addition. The hotel opened in June of 1997 and is currently a 41 room hotel. The AmericInn Algona is currently in the midst of an ambitious renovation, creating a fresh, updated look and feel through contemporary new guest room furnishings, fi xtures and related improvements incorporating such elements as 32” fl at screen televisions, new cozy Serta Perfect Sleeper® beds, furniture, draperies, artwork and contemporary interior paint schemes

The AmericInn Algona features great rates and amenities such as a free, hot, home-style AmericInn Perk breakfast, free hotel-wide wireless high-speed Internet, inviting swimming pools and Easy Rewards guest loyalty program.

The property is owned by AlgonInn LLC, an Iowa based company and is leased and managed by Interstate Management Corporation; also a north Iowa based Corporation. The hotel is managed by Algona resident Seth Pompe. For reservations call 800.634.3444 or visit AmericInn.com.

AMERICINN OF ALGONA IS

EXPANDING

An Appreciation Coffee was held October 4, 2012 for the Volunteers of Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation. Pictured from left to right are: Jan Murray, Rita Green, Evelyn Lickteig, Iris Hackbarth, Marilyn Lensing, Peg Lallier, Betty Murphy, Marilyn Frideres, and Jean Knobloch.

www.kossuth-edc.com www.paloaltoiowa.comKossuth/Palo Alto CountyEconomic Development

Corporation12 January-June 2013

Congratulations to the following businesses Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries in 2013

KOSSUTH COUNTYECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

106 S. DODGE ST SUITE 210 ALGONA, IA 50511 PHONE: 515.295.7979

PALO ALTO COUNTYECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

BUSINESS INVESTORS 1000+

Algona Area Economic Development Corp.Algona Medical Clinic II

Algona Municipal UtilitiesAlliant Energy

Bank PlusBuchanan, Bibler, Gabor & Meis

Central Financial GroupCountry Maid, Inc.

Cozzini, LLCElbert Chevrolet

Erpelding, Voigt & CompanyFarmers & Traders Savings Bank

Farmers State BankGreen Plains Renewable Energy

Humboldt County RECIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative

Iowa State BankITC Midwest, LLC

Klein Insurance AgencyKOFAB

Kossuth County Community FoundationKossuth Regional Health Center

MaxYield CooperativeMidAmerican EnergyMurphy-Brown, LLC

Northwest BankPharmacists Mutual Insurance Company

Pioneer Hi-Bred InternationalSBEMCO International “Matting by Design”

Security State BankSnap-On

StateLine CooperativeTitonka Savings Bank

BUSINESS INVESTORS $500 - $999Algona Publishing

AlumaBuscher Bros. Implement & RV Center

McMahon, Stowater, Lynch & LaddusawCounsel Offi ce & DocumentDrs. Klepper & Trainer, ODS

Erpelding Excavating EnterpriseFarm & Home Services

Gold-Eagle CooperativeGood Samaritan Society of AlgonaHeartland Mutual Insurance Assoc.

Hy-VeeI&S Group

KLGA “Hometown Radio”Kemna GM Center

Kossuth Abstract & Title CompanyNorth Iowa Lumber & DesignNorthwest Communications

Reding’s Gravel & ExcavatingWhittemore Municipal UtilitiesBUSINESS INVESTORS

$250 - $499ATC Cablevision

Albion Advanced NutritionAlgona Floor Design

Algona Frame & Auto BodyBob Becker Construction

Brenda Clark-Hamilton “Professional Growth Programs”

Deitering Bros., Inc.Diamond’s of Algona

Dump It Sanitation & RecyclingErnie Williams, Ltd.

Farmers Cooperative ElevatorFarmers Trust & Savings BankFenchel, Doster & Buck, P.L.C.

Five Star CooperativeFloors “N” More

Foertsch Plumbing & HeatingHeartland Power CooperativeHenry-Olson Funeral Homes

Innovations Salon & SpaJerome Menke Construction

Kemco TiresLandmark Realty

North Iowa Appliance CenterOakcrest Funeral Services

ProBuildRoethler Electric

Ruhnke Bros. Full Service Gas & Auto SalesSchmitt Hardware

Standard Nutrition ServicesState Farm Insurance

Stuart Simonson, CPATitonka-Burt Communications

West Iowa BankBUSINESS INVESTORS

$50 - $249Algona Dairy QueenAlgona Family YMCA

Algona Hearing CenterAlgona Lions Club

Algona Machine & SupplyAlgona Manor Care Center

AmericInn of AlgonaAnimal Medical CenterArnold Motor Supply

Bancroft CarGoBancroft Municipal UtilityBlair & Amanda Redenius

Bloom Floral Design BoutiqueBoyken Insurance Agency

Columbia HallFriends of Bishop Garrigan

Jack’s O.K. Tire ServiceJohnny’s Restaurant/Jumbo’s Liquor

Kiwanis Club of Algona MorwensKossuth County Farm Bureau

Lone Rock Cooperative Telephone CompanyMotor Inn of Algona

Peterson & Lipps Law Offi ceReutzel ExcavatingSpa Dee Dah, Too!

Susan Post, CPAThe Chocolate Season/Bradley Jensen Photography

Tom Eischen SalesWine & Spirits Shoppe

BUSINESS INVESTORS 1000+

Ag Processing (AGP)Alliant Energy

Community Lumber SupplyIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative

Iowa State BankIowa Trust & Savings Bank

MidAmerican Energy

Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corp.POET Biorefi ningWells Fargo BankWest Iowa Bank

Wild Rose Casino & ResortBUSINESS INVESTORS

$500 - $999Bank Plus

K & W Electric

Northwest Telephone Cooperative Assoc.Palo Alto County Health System

Zimmerman Family Dental BUSINESS INVESTORS

$250 - $499Ayrshire Farmers Mutual Telephone Company

Farmers State BankKiesling Associates, LLP

Scott Telephone & Telecom

BBUSINESSUSINESS INVESTORSINVESTORS

BBUSINESSUSINESS INVESTORSINVESTORS20122012

Kossuth/Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors and communities also contribute funding dollars to assist with our programs

75 YEARS & OVER:CHROME TRUCK STOP ...................................... 75 YEARSCOOK’S SCRAP IRON ...................................... 100 YEARSIOWA STATE BANK ............................................ 85 YEARSKOSSUTH COUNTY FARM BUREAU ..................... 95 YEARSLONE ROCK COOPERATIVE TELEPHONE CO. ...... 110 YEARSPIONEER HI-BRED ............................................. 75 YEARSWEST BEND JOURNAL ....................................... 95 YEARS

50 – 70 YEARS:ALGONA GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER ................. 55 YEARSDIAMONDS CLOTHING ...................................... 60 YEARSFAREWAY ......................................................... 60 YEARSMILLER FREIGHTLINES ....................................... 60 YEARSNORTHWEST COMMUNICATIONS ....................... 50 YEARSREDINGS GRAVEL & EXCAVATING ...................... 65 YEARS

25 – 45 YEARS:AG ADVISORY, LTD ........................................... 30 YEARSALGONA FLOOR DESIGN ................................... 35 YEARSALGONA GLASS ................................................ 35 YEARSALGONA MANOR CARE CENTER ......................... 25 YEARSHENRY-OLSON FUNERAL HOMES ....................... 45 YEARSHY-VEE ............................................................. 45 YEARSKEMNA GM CENTER .......................................... 25 YEARSKMART ............................................................. 35 YEARSNEW COOPERATIVE .......................................... 40 YEARSNORTH IOWA APPLIANCE CENTER ..................... 35 YEARSNORTH IOWA LUMBER & DESIGN, INC. .............. 25 YEARSPETERSON & LIPPS ATTORNEYS ......................... 30 YEARSPROADVANTAGE SERVICES – WEST BEND .......... 30 YEARSSKOGLAND MEAT & LOCKER .............................. 35 YEARSTITONKA CARE CENTER ..................................... 40 YEARSWEST BEND FORD ............................................. 25 YEARS

5 – 20 YEARS: COLLISION CENTER OF WEST BEND .................... 15 YEARSCUSTOM COUNTERTOPS & MORE ...................... 15 YEARSDR. WILLIAM PHELPS, DDS ............................... 10 YEARSENCORE SEMINAR ENTERPRISES ........................ 20 YEARSHEARTEN BED & BREAKFAST .............................. 15 YEARSHYDROGEN ENGINE CENTER .............................. 10 YEARSKAMPEN FOODS ................................................. 5 YEARSMILLER LOGISTICS ............................................ 15 YEARSRUHNKE BROTHERS .......................................... 10 YEARSSUSAN POST, CPA ............................................. 15 YEARSWALLACE WATER .............................................. 15 YEARSWESSELS CROSSROADS ..................................... 10 YEARSWEST BEND COMMUNITY LUMBER .................... 20 YEARS

PALO ALTO COUNTY75 YEARS & OVER:

EMMETSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ........... 80 YEARSGRAETTINGER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ............. 105 YEARSHUGHES, BRENNAN, & WIRTZ, INC. ................ 85 YEARSIOWA LAKES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ................. 75 YEARSIOWA STATE BANK – RUTHVEN ......................... 85 YEARSIOWA STATE EXTENSION SERVICE .................... 110 YEARS

50 – 70 YEARS:RUTHVEN COMMUNITY CARE CENTER ............... 50 YEARSST. PATRICK’S IRISH GIFT SHOP ........................ 50 YEARS

25 – 45 YEARS:EMMETSBURG MACHINE & SUPPLY CO. ............. 35 YEARSFARMERS NATIONAL CO. ................................... 35 YEARSJAMISON EQUIPMENT ....................................... 35 YEARSPIZZA RANCH OF EMMETSBURG ....................... 25 YEARSSAXTON’S GREENHOUSE & FLOWERS ................ 35 YEARS

5 – 20 YEARS: ARCHITECTURAL ARTS NORTH ............................. 5 YEARSCOMMUNITY LUMBER SUPPLY .......................... 20 YEARSEMERALD OAKS ASSISTED LIVING ..................... 10 YEARSEMMETSBURG COLLISION ................................. 10 YEARSFAMILY VISION STORE-DR. DEAN VER MULM..... 20 YEARSMALLARD MACHINING, INC. ............................. 15 YEARSREDWOOD RESORT ........................................... 10 YEARSTREWIN ELECTRIC ............................................. 10 YEARS

20122012