Des Moines, IA – May 8, 2013:  The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) honored the Warren County Economic Development Corporation during the recent SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines, sponsored by the Iowa Utility Association.

The PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies.  The Warren County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC), among several organizations honored, was the only organization recognized for the BRE Overall Award.

“Supporting Warren County's existing businesses is the top priority for WCEDC,” stated Jason White, Executive Director of Warren County Economic Development Corporation. “We are very honored by this award as it is a culmination of hard work by our great staff and shows that we have great companies creating much economic impact for Warren County.  Thank you Professional Developers of Iowa!”

Among the reasons for WCEDC's award were as follows (numbers from the past year):

·         WCEDC assisted 45 existing businesses with expansions, workforce additions and service or product line additions.

·         WCEDC assisted 18 startup businesses with opening or moving into their next stage of business planning.

·         WCEDC helped businesses receive $1.591 million in funding.

·         WCEDC facilitated the creation of 86 new jobs and 207 jobs which were saved or retained.

Established in 1992, Warren County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) is the organization located in the Greater Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan region that demonstrates leadership, collaboration, and ingenuity to enhance the business climate, business and employment base, while promoting the unique and identifiable assets of the greater Warren County area, with the purpose of creating wealth and being the model of a results-driven organization. The mission of WCEDC is to create and retain jobs while enhancing the quality of life in greater Warren County, accomplished foremost by strengthening and supporting the business climate in the area. 

Click here for a Warren County precinct map

Click here for an Indianola precinct map

Click here for a Norwalk precinct map

Friday, April 5, 2013 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Simpson College | Kent Campus Center

701 North C Street - Indianola, IA 50125

Please join Representative Scott Ourth and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham for an open forum to discuss legislative and economic issues affecting businesses in Warren County.

There is no charge for this event. Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP by April 2nd to: Hollie Askey Warren Co. Economic Development

515.961.1067 or haskey@wcedc.com

Indianola, IA, November 15, 2012 -- Applications are being accepted for the 2013 Warren County Leadership Institute to begin in January 2013.  The Institute's primary objective is to train and inform leaders in the county.  Warren County Leadership Institute encourages adults to create the best future for themselves, their families, communities, and their county.  The leadership program familiarizes potential and existing leaders who live or work in Warren County with the choices and challenges facing the county.

“The Warren County Leadership Institute allowed me to not only grow and learn as a leader, but to work together as a class to complete a project to better our county.  I am a Warren County native and I still learned a great deal about businesses and opportunities in our county that I never realized existed.  If you haven't heard about WCLI, I challenge you to look into it.  Come and be a part of 19 years of cultivating leaders in our community!”   ~ Dr. Laura Avitt, WCLI Class of 2004.

The Warren County Leadership Institute offers an interactive program to guide concerned citizens toward becoming knowledgeable leaders in addressing issues facing Warren County including: economic growth, local government, transportation, education, and quality of life.

Who participates in the Warren County Leadership Institute?

• Business owners concerned about economic growth.

• Homeowners interested in tax issues.

• Teachers worried about quality education and the needs of Warren County youth.

• Farmers concerned about the future of the family farm or about their hometown.

• Commuting executives seeking to strengthen hometown roots and to become involved in the issues affecting them and their families.

• Interested Warren County residents willing to take an active leadership role.

• Non-residents working in Warren County interested in continuing employment opportunities.

The WCLI is affiliated with the Warren County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) and is an integral part of WCEDC's mission.

Warren County Leadership Institute is scheduled to begin Thursday, January 17, 2013 with classes every other week ending with graduation in April 2013. 

For more information on WCLI or to obtain an application please visit the WCEDC website, www.wcedc.com/WCLI or give the WCEDC office a call at 515-961-1067.  Applications are being accepted until December 3, 2012.  

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Please Join us for our

20th Anniversary

& Investor Appreciation Event

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012

5:00 - 7:00 pm

The Wright Place

340 Wright Rd., Suite E

Norwalk, IA 50211

Guest Speaker

Rob Denson, President

Des Moines Area Community College

Hors d'oeuvres & beverages provided

Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 2nd to

rgocken@wcedc.com | 515.961.1067

]]> http://www.wcedc.com/news/?ID=131 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST http://www.wcedc.com/news/?ID=131