Warren County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Warren County has been chosen to receive the Iowa Great Place designation. 

The Iowa Great Places designation is a program that requires state agencies to partner with Iowa communities in creative new ways to help these communities evolve into “great places”.  The goal is to create attractive communities designed to attract, retain both businesses and residents.   

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs defines an Iowa Great Place as a community that offers rich cultural experiences, attracts diverse populations, and promotes creativity and economic development.

The Great Places Citizens Advisory Board interviews applicant communities, and then makes awards based on the merits of the application and evidence of community support and involvement.  The Board is made up of Iowa citizens appointed by Governor Chet Culver. The Great Places program was enacted by the Iowa State Legislature in 2003.

The Great Places designation opens up potential state funding to assist in the development of five proposed projects. The projects included are: The Scotch Ridge Center – Phase 1, a permanent stage for the National Balloon Classic facility, expansion of the National Balloon Museum, expansion of the Blank Performing Arts Center at Simpson College, and construction and renovation of the Indianola Memorial Park Trail and Amphitheater.

The amount Warren County has requested is about $750,000.  The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will now finalize how funds are appropriated between the four winners.

The Great Place designation will be officially awarded on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 1 PM in the Kennedy press room of the Iowa Capitol.  Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge is scheduled to present the award.

Warren County Great Places Team included: Iowa State Senator Staci Appel, Iowa State Representative Mark Davitt, Iowa State Representative Jodi Tymeson, Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Middleswart, Warren County Supervisor Marvin Grace, Mayor Ruth Randleman of Carlisle, and Mayor Jerry Kelley of Indianola.

The Warren County Economic Development Board of Directors includes Drew Bracken, Jack Bohlender, Steve Bruere, John Fuller, Randy Gathers, Naomi Hamlett, Myles Kappelman, , Jim McClarnon, Jim Meadows, Hon. Ruth Randleman, Frank Rasko, Hon. Doug Shull, Rick Wilson, and Steve Wilson.

The Warren County Great Places application culminated with a presentation to the Great Places Citizen Advisory Board and Cindy Pederson, Director of IA Department of Cultural Affairs.  Presenters included: Scott Ourth, Warren County Public Affairs Director (Master of Ceremonies); Glen Cowan, Director of Indianola Parks and Recreation; Bob Lane, Vice President for College Advancement, Simpson College; Kelly Shaw, National Balloon Museum Board; Drew Bracken, Board of Directors, National Balloon Classic, and Neil Ruddy, City Manager, City of Carlisle.

Many more volunteers participated in the application process.  “The Warren County Great Places effort is a great example of the power of collaboration,” said Tiffany Coleman, Warren County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, “the effort was successful because of everyone working as a team to accomplish the goal.” Other Great Places designees are Marquette-McGregor, Iowa; Spencer, Iowa; and West Union, Iowa. Nineteen Iowa communities filed formal letters of intent to apply for this designation according to the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs

For more information, please contact the Warren County Economic Development office at call 515.961.1067 or email wcedc@mchsi.com.