By Nicole Hasek
Courtesy of the Jefferson Herald
After months of discussion for the Greene County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) new leadership model, the group voted during a special meeting on Wednesday to combine with Ames Regional Economic Association (AREA).
“In a historic move, GCDC elected today to join the AREA,” stated a press release from GCDC. “AREA (subject to board approval) will provide GCDC organizational administration, business retention and expansion, housing, and workforce development expertise as well as communication, website and media support. Transition is scheduled to begin later this month, with strategic planning to restart later this year.”
During the meeting, Michelle Book, interim executive director for GCDC, said the organization has considered multiple new leadership models since the departure of former Executive Director Ken Paxton in May. The organization considered joining Jefferson Matters, creating a partnership with AREA and searching for a new executive director.
Since Jefferson Matters has “hit their stride,” and found success in the past year, Book said it did not work for GCDC to join forces with them.
“We thought being a stand-alone county today just doesn’t make sense,” Book said. “Stand-alone counties don’t get the attention that regional, or other alliance entities, receive from prospects and from state government and federal government.”
A new director would still need to be hired, and GCDC President Scott Weber said Dan Culhane, AREA president and CEO, already has a candidate chosen who would take the position. He hopes to get this position started by August 1.
Chad Stevens brought up a concern about membership dues, which have not increased in cost in 10 years. Book said she is aware of groups who have stepped away from GCDC, but there are “several opportunities” to bring them back. She said Culhane is confident there will be “new players” that join GCDC, and that there would not be a deficit. Book said she has confidence in Culhane that investors would see a return.
“[Culhane’s] seen this in other counties that he has worked in, that he’s able to do a pretty quick turnaround,” Book said.
There are many expenses that GCDC would not be responsible for, including the executive directory salary and expenses. Weber said no matter what direction was taken, there would have to be an increase in dues. He said GCDC would be better off spending a little more to get “the back room support” than to remain individual and still have increased expenses. AREA provides a staff for social media, legal services and communication that GCDC would have access to.
According to the press release, AREA has over 750 members, $238,000,000 in capital investments and hosts over 100 community events a year.
“Greene County has celebrated several successes in recent years including a new high school and career academy, the early learning center, restoration of the Centennial and most recently the 2025 Great American Main Street Award for Jefferson – just to name a few,” stated the press release. “GCDC is well positioned to use this momentum to boost local economic development efforts; joining a successful alliance will amplify the impact.”
Courtesy of Jefferson Herald | carrollspaper.com