By Nicole Hasek
Courtesy of The Jefferson Bee & Herald
The Greene County Development Corporation met on Tuesday for their first meeting of the year to highlight 2024 successes and prepare for the upcoming year. Kirsten Case Fuller, regional director of Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), gave an update on business start ups, new jobs created and capital investments in small businesses.
Fuller said they helped 17 businesses open, had $5.5 million in capital investments from 59 capital events, 107 new jobs created, $7.9 million made in sales and provided almost 600 hours of counseling work. Of the 237 new clients, 234 live and operate in rural communities.
Not represented in these numbers include businesses impacted by flooding, tornado damage and other disasters. They worked with 78 additional clients for resource and recovery needs, and 12 transitioned to long-term clients. Overall, 200 small businesses were supported by several regions and they are looking to better help businesses prepare for possible disasters. Fuller is planning to hold county meetings with stakeholders.
Lisa Shimkat, SBDC state director, took the role in D.C. and they are holding a national search to fill the position.
City Administrator Scott Peterson said they are planning to hire a new water operator, which would bring them back to full staff.
County Supervisor Pete Bardole said bids for building the new jail will open on Wednesday, which will help determine their overall budget. They are also waiting on other departments to submit their budgets.
Jeff Lamoureux gave an update on Iowa’s land survey, which is available on the Iowa State Extension and Outreach website and in their Greene County office. He said Greene County’s land value went down by 1.9%, dropping from about 12,800 to 12,650. The extension office also has several upcoming events that can be found on their website.
Matt Wetrich with Jefferson Matters said the organization is almost ready to reveal their new logo, which they expect to help with city branding. Wetrich also reminded the board of the Great American Main Street Award the city earned last year, and in April the winners will be announced. In March, Jefferson will host other main street communities for a workshop.
Sara Huddleston said the Multicultural Family Resource Center (MFRC) has started Spanish classes, and they have shown to be successful with high interest from community members. Iowa Public Television will have a special filmed at the MFRC in February.
Mason Adams with Alliance Energy said Iowa has high potential for clean hydrogen development opportunities, and that he will give updates on potential clean hydrogen tax credits.
The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment had almost 400 responses, and Chad Stevens said the next step is to meet with community economic development specialists about housing.
The Iowa Energy Fund co-chair John Rigler said they will receive $10 million for solar roof projects around the state, and that anyone in Greene County who is interested in this project can reach out to him.
Applications for the 144 Corridor Housing Initiative 2025 are available at the banks and libraries in Paton, Rippey and Grand Junction. Alan Robinson said the grant has increased from $1,000 to $1,500, and the matching grand increased from 50% to 75%. He also announced Paton’s 150th anniversary celebration on June 7.
Rippey is planning their Burr ride next month, which is expected to host 3,000 bike riders. Rippey will also be hosting their first Rippey Ruckus in April, and their annual Rippey Fun Days on July 26.
Courtesy of the Jefferson Bee and Herald
If you have questions or need more information, contact
Ken Paxton
GCDC Executive Director
ken@greenecountyiowa.com
515-386-8255