Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Manufacturing

Rural Iowa Manufacturing Jobs Surplus Means Big Opportunities

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- It's been a year since the manufacturing industry was hit by the COVID-19 crisis forcing businesses to get creative to manage their workforce assets. In April of 2020, the rural Clarke County, Iowa's unemployment rate jumped from 3.4% to 11.8%, and more than 100,000 workers across the state were displaced, laid off, or simply let go when businesses had to close their doors, says Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).

Now COVID restrictions have begun to lift and the economy is picking up again, especially for manufacturers in Osceola, Iowa. Unfortunately, many businesses are still struggling in their search for the right candidates to fill key positions.

"We've got 4,700 non-farm jobs and our major manufacturers continue to grow and add staff," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation. "Now is a great time to find a job in Clarke County."

Major Clarke County employers have a variety of positions available and are casting a wide net to entice the right candidates to the region. Full of lucrative job opportunities, Osceola boasts easy access from Des Moines, Indianola, Norwalk, St. Mary's, Martensdale and many other South-Central Iowa and Northern Missouri cities via I-35 and highways 34 and 92.

"We're certainly in a position where we have more jobs than people to fill them, so we're recruiting from across the state to find the right fit," said Susan Miller, Human Resources Recruiter for the Altec body plant. "While our pay is more than competitive with most Des Moines metro employers, and our benefits package is outstanding, we've found that it's our unique company culture that really makes working here desirable."

In an effort to fill essential manufacturing positions, companies are finding new incentives to draw in applicants, encourage referrals from current employees, and reward retention among the staff. For example, The Paul Mueller Company, manufacturers of stainless steel, food-grade refrigeration and transportation tanks, offers an incremental referral bonus as well as new employee sign-on bonuses awarded at ninety days, six months, and one year.

Altec body plant helps employees attain Bachelor or Masters degrees in the industry by funding online courses through The University of Alabama and offers wellness benefits to employees and their spouses for completing fun and easy challenges. And Iowa Steel gives their regional sales team the opportunity to work from home or remotely as they travel the country to meet with customers, offering an excellent base salary as well as commission.

"We're in the process of growing, locally and nationwide. On top of filling regional sales positions around the country, we're also adding to our Osceola facility in the fall of 2021 and hiring more skilled labor," said Kate Patton, Human Resources Director at Iowa Steel. "Clarke County is full of employers offering diverse opportunities with competitive pay and an excellent work-life balance. We're just looking for the right applicants."

While unemployment rates are relatively low, there is still a lot of work available in rural Iowa, especially in Clarke County. Employers are finding that top pay and benefits aren't the only tools needed to draw in a workforce.

"Money isn't the most important thing people are looking for these days. People are looking at our culture, and finding a place they enjoy coming to every day, and positioning their family to do more than just make ends meet," said Lauren Robins, Human Resources Generalist II for Paul Mueller Company. "On-site training, and a safe and healthy work environment are all important to prospective employees. Most of all they want to know that they're valued and able to be productive and growing for years to come."

Clarke County's manufacturing industry has advantages not found in bigger cities across the state. Factors like job security, educational incentives, and unique, diverse opportunities for advancement are all part of what draws in a workforce that drives the success of the entire community.

For more information about the availability of jobs mentioned in this press release, feel free to reach to the Human Resources department at each company:

- Altec Osceola Body Plant, HR Recruiter, Susan Miller, 641-223-8807, email: susan.miller@altec.com

- Iowa Steel Human Resources Director, Kate Patton, 641-342-2134, email: kpatton@countrysidetank.com

- Paul Mueller Company, Lauren Robins, Human Resources Generalist II, 641-342-5521, email: lrobins@paulmueller.com.

If you'd like to learn more about the manufacturing industry and development opportunities available in Clarke County, Iowa, please reach out to Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation, at 641-414-1884 or email: info@clarkedev.com.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Government, Manufacturing

South Central Iowa Community Steps Up to Support Senior Care Center

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- Since the WHO announced the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic status in early March, long-term care facilities have been on the front lines of the health and safety battle, notes the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC). With senior citizens being some of the most "at risk" from the virus, the need for protective gear - from essential N95 hospital-grade face-masks to personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves and gowns - have been in high demand and access has been limited. That's where the manufacturing community in Clarke County and Osceola, Iowa stepped up.

Earlier in the week, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) started working with the staff at Southern Hills Specialty Care facility in Osceola to procure additional essential supplies to help with the safety and protection of their 89 senior residents. Asking for donations or additional support from the manufacturing industry, Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the CCDC and Destiny Boeve, Administrator for Southern Hills were able to collect a generous supply of masks as well as some other essential items.

Altec's Osceola body plant was instrumental in donations, providing 3,000 latex gloves for the facility. And SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc, donated a surplus of high-grade masks and gloves as soon as the call was made.

"Having been part of the Osceola and Clarke County community for decades, we simply wanted to help wherever we could," said Darren Swolley, General Manager at SIMCO. "These are the times when community means more than ever."

Other local businesses, including Cathy's Auto Body and Cactus Farms, were also quick to join in the roundup of supplies. The team at Boyt Harness donated thousands of masks from their Missouri plant to hospitals and facilities in need there.

"This is what makes my job such a pleasure," said Trickey. "When the community is in need, our business network knows how to deliver."

Southern Hills staff members, residents, family members and friends alike have joined together to help with the cause, sewing from mask templates for residents and staffers to use while other donation efforts are in the works. Boeve's own grandmother, Kathy Klein sewed 100 masks for the staff and is working on washable gowns for the program. Southern Hills staffer and CNA, Amy Allen brought her seamstress talents back in her off hours just to help with the production as well.

With the influx of masks and gloves, the need for other safety materials has become a priority. Materials for sewing additional masks as well as gowns and other PPEs are still needed to help the staff properly care for the residents.

"We couldn't be more blessed," said Boeve. "Our community really knows how to come together in a time of crisis."

Boeve went on to stress the need for basic sewing materials like needles and thread for additional masks for mending gowns. And the donation of more N95 masks, gowns, or PPEs remains on the priority list for the foreseeable future.

If you have access to the items needed for the care of the residents at Southern Hills or have items you can donate, please reach out to Destiny Boeve at Southern Hills Care Center, 444 N W View Drive, Osceola, IA 50213, phone: 641-342-6061.

Learn more about the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC): https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

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Business, Construction and Building, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Real Estate

Free Land Incentives Hope to Spur on Spring New Home Construction

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- Spring is finally here and with it comes the start of the building season. Families are looking to build new homes, developers are looking for prime real estate, and contractors are itching to get back in the field after a long, hard winter. As part of an ongoing housing development initiative, Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has been working with the city of Osceola to offer home builders and developers shovel-ready sites at no cost for residential projects.

The initiative also extends reimbursements on interest for construction loans for up to a 12-month period. The CCDC launched this Zero-Cost Land Development initiative in 2017 as an effort to capitalize on the recent growth trends and development throughout south-central Iowa. While tax abatements and other incentives are offered throughout the state, the concept of Zero-Cost Development offers builders and developers a bigger opportunity for establishing profitable programs throughout the city.

The workforce in Iowa is experiencing unprecedented low unemployment, making businesses work harder to attract the best and the brightest qualified employees. CCDC and the city of Osceola are working together to help provide a big incentive for local businesses offering executive, management, and long-term employment candidates custom housing solutions. Local affordable housing programs such as Kading Properties' Meadows Development have been a huge success and there is plenty of opportunity for developers to meet the needs of those looking for more.

"Development land in the Des Moines Metro area can set builders back $80,000 to $200,000 per lot or more," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of Clarke County Development Corporation. "Osceola is close to metro amenities with a quality of life you can't find in larger cities. Continuously developing and improving, the city offers a sense of community and safety among neighbors, providing peace of mind for growing families."

Osceola's major benefits include over 4,600 non-farming jobs, a quality school district advanced beyond some suburban Metro schools, and several quality of life developments like an expanding trail system, improved city parks, lakes and land for hunting, fishing and limitless outdoor recreation. City officials and the CCDC hope the Zero-Cost Land Development initiative will continue to strengthen neighborhoods and encourage families to call Osceola home.

If you're a builder looking for a low-cost entry into a competitive market, contact Bill Trickey at the Clarke County Development Corporation at info@clarkecountyiowa.com or 641-342-2944 to learn more about the Zero-Cost Development initiative.

Learn more about Clarke County at: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

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Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

Rural South-Central Iowa Sees Over $480,000 in Grant Windfall for Local Organizations

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- Rural organizations throughout south-central Iowa, specifically, the city of Osceola and Clarke County Iowa look to their development corporation, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), for grants and other assistance to add value and benefits to the communities they serve.

Earlier this spring, with the assistance of funding from Osceola's Lakeside Casino (lakesidehotelcasino.com), a number of organizations realized over $480,000 in grants approved and distributed for various projects and causes by the CCDC board.

Some of the grants awarded include:

* Clarke County received a $25,000 grant for improvements to secondary roads and bridges throughout the county. Residents rely on the rural secondary roads for travel so the County will be purchasing maintenance equipment and will upgrade bridge safety, rebuilding where necessary, adding culverts and laying down and grading new gravel throughout the County.

* The Village Early Childhood Center in Osceola was awarded a CCDC grant of $150,000 to pay off the building's mortgage and other bills as well as $93,500 to help pay for Geothermal Heating / Cooling units at the site. The City of Osceola and Clarke County will also make contributions to The Village to help pay off the mortgage.

* The area's East Lake trail projects will continue to move forward thanks to an incredible $100,000 The CCDC grant disbursement will go toward completion of the paved trail that connects East Lake Park to the elementary school and extending the Safe Routes program. Already this summer, the park has hosted over 200 third graders a group from Murray for fishing, and spent a full day with Clarke fifth graders. Concrete should be laid in the fall, giving students easy access to the park without relying on costly bus transportation.

* The Murray School District was granted $75,000 for district-wide technology upgrades and the integration of smart tablets for all students from elementary through 12th.

* Clarke County Cattlemen's Association was approached by the Clarke County Fair Board over the winter regarding the need to make the fairgrounds handicap accessible. Since the Fair Board is already tied up with other projects, the Cattlemen's Association has been raising funds to lay concrete in the cattle barn. With a $9,000 grant from CCDC and the Association's own fundraising efforts, concrete will cover the whole cattle barn, except for the cattle stalls. The project is projected to be completed in time for the County Fair this summer.

* Clarke County Fairgrounds will be able rewire much of the infrastructure with the help of a $12,000 grant.

* Clarke Community High School's chapter of the FCCLA received $3,500 to help student finalists travel to their National Competition.

* Community Health Centers received $20,492 to help with the purchase of new equipment to be used at the new Mental Health Emergency center.

* Families First, located in Osceola, received their annual contribution of $15,000 that helps with field trips, back packs for students, swim passes and more.

* The City of Osceola was awarded a grant to cover the costs of demolition of dilapidated and dangerous abandoned structures. These houses and other buildings are eyesores and potential hazards for fires and structural collapse. CCDC has awarded a grant of $5,000 to the city's program that removes these buildings and paves the way for new homes and businesses.

"With the assistance we receive from the casino, funding community grants like these helps the CCDC board impact our community's future and improve the community's collective quality of life and, correspondingly, our business viability," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation.

The Clarke County Development Corporation holds monthly public meetings where opportunities like those listed above as well as the actions the CCDC board will be taking each month are discussed. Organizations interested in participating in the development corporation or would like more information on grants or activities through the CCDC are encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions about the grant process or becoming a member of Clarke County Development Corporation, please contact Bill Trickey, Executive Director, at 641-342-2944, email: info@clarkecountyiowa.com or go to the CCDC Web site: http://osceolaclarkedev.com/.

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Defense and Military, Economic Development, Fine Art and Artists, Free News Articles, Government

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Scheduled to Honor Veterans at Clarke County Freedom Rock Dedication

MURRAY, Iowa -- Clarke County, Iowa's favorite daughter, Governor Kim Reynolds will join hundreds of community members, leaders and veterans in a ceremonial dedication of Clarke County's Freedom Rock. On Saturday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the latest installment by Freedom Rock painter, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen, will be the site of a Veteran's Day celebration and dedication. Those in attendance will hear from Governor Reynolds, along with local leadership, military officials, and community members from throughout south-central Iowa.

The dedication ceremony will be held at the recently constructed Clarke County Freedom Rock and Honor Wall, located at the Murray Cemetery off Highway 34 and County Highway R16.

Jason Gibbs, member of the Clarke County Freedom Rock and Honor Wall Committee said the program should last about 30 minutes, and guests are invited to lunch at the Murray High School following the program.

Seating will be limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early, use the shuttle services available from Murray, Osceola, and the Bunn Manufacturing locations and to bring their own lawn chairs.

About the Clarke County Freedom Rock:

Sorensen began painting the original Freedom Rock, located north of Greenfield, Iowa, in 1999 after being inspired by the movie "Saving Private Ryan."

His original rock, which was painted with a new design each Memorial Day, quickly garnered local, regional and national recognition. Sorensen soon decided to spread the message of the Freedom Rock by committing to painting a Freedom Rock in each of Iowa's 99 counties and beyond. According to TheFreedomRock.com Web site, the Clarke County Freedom Rock is 67th of 68 current honorary displays.

Since Sorensen designs each rock to represent the military members and history of each county, Sorensen and the Clarke County Freedom Rock and Honor Wall committee started conversations in the fall of 2015 to brainstorm ideas and themes for the rock being dedicated on Saturday.

"That usually means finding specific veterans," Sorensen said while working on another Freedom Rock in Cresco. "We landed on killed in action. That's why the front side of that (rock) is a gold star family member clutching a flag that was given to them and the ghost of the fallen soldier touching her."

The front face of the Clarke County Freedom Rock also features a quote from Abraham Lincoln.

The back face of the Clarke County Freedom Rock, facing the Honor Wall, features illustrations of Maxton Daniel, Raymond Harris, George Horton, Herschel Oehlert and Bert Keeler - Clarke County residents who were killed in action.

The west side of the rock features a large red bull logo, signifying the 34th Infantry Division, which Highway 34 is named after.

"There was a guy from Garner, Iowa, driving by and he saw that red bull's face," Gibbs said. "It's got great history. This guy's dad was in the 34th Infantry Division. That was something Bubba added and thought would be appropriate. I'm so glad he did. That's a big deal to tens of thousands of people."

The Clarke County Freedom Rock Honor Wall:

Constructed behind the Freedom Rock is the Clarke County Freedom Rock Honor Wall, which gives individuals the opportunity to have a veteran's name engraved into plaques placed on the wall. To date, the Honor Wall has plaques representing over 450 veterans from Clarke County and surrounding areas. The Honor Wall is not limited to veterans who lived in Clarke County.

Gibbs said the committee wanted to give everyone an opportunity to have their veteran recognized on the wall, especially since there will be people from all over the country visiting the Freedom Rock and Honor Wall.

Plaques for the Honor Wall can be purchased by contacting Gibbs at 641-414-1117.

Governor Reynolds and Clarke County:

Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, has a special connection with the community in Clarke County. A southern Iowa native, Reynolds started her political career serving four terms as the Clarke County Treasurer before moving on to the Iowa Senate representing district 48 in 2008. In 2011, Governor Terry Branstad hand-picked Reynolds as Lieutenant Governor where she served until Branstad's departure in 2016.

For more information on the Clarke County Freedom Rock Project and the Clarke County Freedom Rock Honor Wall, contact Jason Gibbs Clarke County Freedom Rock and Honor Wall Committee at 641-414-1117.

Learn more about Clarke County at: http://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Drone Video footage of the Clarke County Freedom Rock site can be found at: https://vimeo.com/241939685

Video and photos provided by Andrew Clark and SPOKE Communications, LLC.

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Construction and Building, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Real Estate

Free Land and Incentives for Builders Looking to Develop in Osceola, Iowa

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- As part of a new housing development initiative, Osceola, Iowa's Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) is offering home builders and developers shovel-ready sites at no cost for residential projects as well as reimbursements on interest for construction loans for a 12-month period. The CCDC launched the Zero-Cost Development initiative in an effort to capitalize on the recent growth trends and development throughout south central Iowa. While tax abatements and other incentives are offered throughout the state, the concept of Zero-Cost Development offers builders and developers a bigger opportunity for establishing profitable programs throughout Osceola.

Even with Iowa's housing bubble leveling out and market prices becoming steady, builders are still seeing costs of materials and equipment climb. Tax abatements offered to buyers still leave builders struggling to cover the gap costs between development and sale of the homes. If a home sits on the market longer than 60 or 90 days, many builders can see a considerable loss of revenue and even end up losing profit altogether on the development. By offering the builders and developers Zero-Cost, shovel-ready land, the initial investment for the building is considerably lower and gives an advantage back to the builder before the sale. By also providing reimbursements for construction loans over a 12-month period, the builder can better manage their investment risks - enabling faster return and reinvestment of moneys for additional development.

Over the last decade, Osceola and Clarke County's population and workforce have steadily grown at a time when many rural areas are losing residents in droves. With a population of over 5,000, Osceola offers over 4,400 non-farm jobs, making it a hub for commerce for southern Iowa counties. As commerce continues to expand, a sense of community is growing and the urgency to build homes to suit the burgeoning workforce has become a priority.

"Development Land in Des Moines, Waukee and Ankeny as well as surrounding communities can cost builders upwards of $80,000 to $200,000 per lot. By offering developers free, shovel-ready lots, they're given the opportunity to build quality homes at an affordable price and pass that savings on to the buyers," Bill Trickey, Executive Director of Clarke County Development Corporation stated. "With Osceola's proximity to metropolitan amenities added to a quality of life you can't find in larger cities, developing in Osceola offers safe neighborhoods for children, a sense of community among neighbors, and peace of mind for growing families."

The goal of the Zero-Cost Development initiative is to encourage an economical connection to an estimated 2,500 commuters in Osceola, helping them become not only a permanent asset to the local workforce but be part of the community as well. Research has shown, when families put down roots in Osceola, their children and generations to follow are likely to remain a part of the community.

"The key is giving them the resources to plant roots," Trickey continued.

Employment opportunities and a quality school district are two of the city's bigger selling points. At just under 1,400 students, the Clarke school district is small but advanced beyond even some suburban Iowa schools. The district recently integrated over 1,500 Chromebooks, offering each student a chance to take this technology home. It's an attractive option for families who'd prefer a smaller district without sacrificing quality of technology and curriculum.

Families in Osceola also benefit from several new recreational developments, including an expanding trail system, city parks, and the future development of a community Recreation Center.

Officials hope the Zero-Cost Development initiative will continue to strengthen the area's neighborhoods, encouraging families to call Osceola home.

If you're a builder who is interested in the Zero-Cost Development initiative and would like to see if your project qualifies, contact Bill Trickey at the Clarke County Development Corporation at info@clarkecountyiowa.com or 641-342-2944.

More information: http://www.clarkecountyiowa.com/.

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.