Montgomery County, IA News and Media

Gov. Reynolds announces more than $500,000 for rural projects in 32 communities, 3 counties

Thursday, January 20, 2022

DES MOINES -- Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority today announced more than $500,000 in grant funding will be awarded to rural communities across the state through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. “The Empower Rural Iowa Initiative has played a key role in transforming our rural communities by expanding broadband access and affordable housing options, which are essential to the growth and retention of our state,” Gov. Reynolds said. “These programs help turn innovative ideas into reality for small communities across Iowa, paving the way for opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.” The grants cover 38 projects across the state. For example: Sac Development Corp will put Rural Innovation funding toward a...

Montgomery County Leaders Moving Forward with Addressing Daycare Needs

Thursday, December 13, 2018

(Red Oak) Montgomery County Development Corporation Director Shawnna Silvius and the community is moving forward in addressing the counties daycare deficit. Silvius says since the October meeting three core committees have been selected and continue to move forward addressing three main priorities for the county. “We have a new group of leaders stepping forward in the Red Oak community and a lot of energy and a lot of action,” said Silvius. “I know this is going to move very quickly because we see the immediate need our employers have for childcare which is a huge barrier for securing new...

Novak to speak at Montgomery County Development Corporation meeting

Thursday, December 13, 2018

A representative from Iowa State University's College of Engineering will hold a special presentation in Red Oak Thursday afternoon. The Montgomery County Development Corporation board of directors meeting takes place at 4 p.m. at the Montgomery County History Center in Red Oak. Among the agenda items is a guest presentation from Carey Novak with ISU's Center for Industrial Research and Service, or CIRAS. Shawnna Silvius, Montgomery County Economic Development Executive Director, tells KMA News that Novak has served CIRAS since 2013. He has worked as a business development and technology commercialization manager, with a wide variety of tech...

BOARD ACTION: Economic Development Board approves awards to support support three established and four start-up companies

Tuesday, October 09, 2018

Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board awarded direct financial assistance and tax benefits to three companies for job creation and expansion projects. These awards will assist in the creation of 290 jobs and will result in over $182 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved innovation funding for four startups. The board approved assistance for planned or proposed projects located in Ames, Nevada, Story City, Ottumwa and Des Moines. Click here for the complete article.

Iowa, already a leader on wind, looks to take the next steps on storage

Sunday, October 07, 2018

A $200,000 state grant will finance research into two solar-plus-storage projects aimed at better understanding the state’s energy storage potential. As one of the nation’s leading producers of wind energy, Iowa has abundant — but also sporadic — energy resources. State officials see huge potential for batteries to help make the most of its wind and solar generation, and they hope to test it with a new grant-funded project. Click here for the complete article.

Rural development is about more than just jobs

Friday, October 05, 2018

Iowa’s rural population has been in decline for more than a century, and many areas struggle to remain vital as a result. Today, only about a third of Iowans are rural residents, and a frequent discussion among policy makers is how to revive the areas where they live and create sustainable communities. Those discussions often focus on bringing new employers to town that will hire locals and maybe even bring a few new people to the community. But researchers affiliated with a University of Iowa research institute say that while jobs are important, the effort to increase wealth in rural...

Iowa's use of special tax areas leads nation

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Iowa is the most prolific user in the nation of tax increment financing to spark economic development but is “modest” in borrowing against the proceeds, according to a new national report. Iowa has 3,340 TIF districts, nearly double the next most prolific user — Minnesota with 1,719. But when it comes to TIF borrowing, Iowa ranked No. 13 in the nation with $315 million between 2000 and 2014, according to “Improving Tax Increment Financing for Economic Development” by University of Illinois Chicago professor David Merriman for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Click here for the complete...

6 EMPLOYEE AND NEW HIRE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR IOWA COMPANIES

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Iowa’s workforce is well-educated, highly regarded and ready to learn. The Iowa Economic Development Authority administers a number of programs to support companies seeking to train potential new hires or current employees with technical skills. Three of these programs help businesses leverage Iowa’s network of 15 community colleges; companies interested in working with these institutions may read more below. Funds allocated through these programs are on a first-come, first-served basis, and are often exhausted early in the year. Businesses interested in using these programs should plan ahead. Click here for the complete article.

Are Coastal VCs Sleeping On Midwest Agtech?

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Midwest agriculture is worth more than $100 billion, but startup funding stays on the coasts. Agriculture technology (agtech) startups garner billions in venture investment, but the dollars are heavily concentrated in California. For investors willing to look outside of Silicon Valley, agtech startups in the Midwest may offer valuable, potentially lucrative opportunities. With top agricultural universities producing talent and newly formed agtech accelerators, startups proliferate in the Midwest. These new companies could transform Midwest agriculture, which is currently a market worth more than $100 billion. Click here for the complete article.

Even In Small Towns, Downtowns Are Hot Again

Sunday, April 22, 2018

City cores throughout the country have been in the midst of an influx of new residents. It’s a trend well-reported in Chicago, Houston, Seattle and so many more of the nation’s metropolises. However, it’s not a trend reserved to major cities. Small town economic developers in Iowa say they have heard from a growing number of people who are interested in living in walkable neighborhoods, but are tired of the crime, expenses and traffic of major city life. The resurgence of main streets across the Midwest may offer individuals a viable lifestyle alternative to the major cities that are currently...

Querry enjoys working with family at 5th generation farm near Red Oak

Sunday, April 22, 2018

It's all about family, faith and farming for Travis Querry of rural Montgomery County. Travis and his wife, Stacy, and their three young girls, Grace, Josie and Ruby live at the original "home place" of the Querry family farm, which lies around 5 miles northwest of Red Oak. Travis is the son of Gary and Linda Querry. Stacy is the daughter of Doug and Shelle Cashatt. Click here for the complete article.

RANKING: IOWA #2 BEST COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Iowa has the second best cost of doing business of any state according to Business Facilities’ annual rankings. The magazine also noted the importance of the state’s manufacturing industry, ranking Iowa fourth among all states for percentage of workforce in manufacturing. In sustainability, the rankings recognized the Hawkeye State for its leadership in affordable wind energy, placing the state second in installed capacity and fifth for lowest industrial electricity rates. Click here for the complete article.

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT: IOWA IS #1 STATE IN THE COUNTRY

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Iowa is the #1 state in the country, according to a new study from U.S. News & World Report. Gov. Kim Reynolds appeared on CBS This Morningon Tuesday to make the announcement about the 2018 Best States ranking. “Our Best States ranking is a humbling tribute to our people who have proven time and again that in Iowa, if you’re willing to work hard, you can accomplish anything,” Gov. Reynolds said. “My top priority as governor is to build on our current success by bringing new resources and opportunities to every corner of our state. Every Iowan contributes to the success of their community...

Red Oak Housing Survey

Monday, July 11, 2022

Please help us be taking this online survey to better identify our housing needs in the Red Oak area: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Aspo057lanzGYu

All School Reunion / Heritage Days Schedule

Monday, June 27, 2022

2022 Villisca All-School Reunion/Heritage Days Schedule for July 1-3, 2022 Friday, July 1st 3:00-7 p.m. Check-in/Registration—City Park 7-8:30 p.m. Meal at Football Field—Villisca Firemen J’s Coffee and Donuts 8-10:00 p.m. DJ/Music at the Football Field 10 p.m. Fireworks Saturday, July 2nd 7 a.m. Fun Walk/Run—Check-in 6:45 a.m. at No. 6 Saloon, south 3rd Ave, near tunnel. Registration fee--$5 donation to Southwest Valley MS Student Council- Contact Shona Means 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Check-in/Registration—Tent in the Park...

IEDA?Board approves assistance for six companies, award for a service provider supporting entrepreneurs

Monday, June 27, 2022

June 17, 2022 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)?Board approved?awards?for?six Iowa?companies,?which will assist?in the?creation of 640 jobs?and?result in nearly $265 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Hampton, Osage and Red Oak. The board also approved a grant through the Entrepreneurial Investment Award program. Clarios to increase manufacturing capacity in Red Oak A leader in advanced energy storage solutions, Clarios, LLC develops, manufactures and distributes a portfolio of evolving battery technologies for vehicles. The company plans to increase its footprint in Red Oak by...

Axne presents grant for Stanton child care expansion

Friday, May 13, 2022

(Stanton) -- Federal funding is expediting plans for a new Stanton child care facility. During her swing through southwest Iowa Wednesday afternoon, Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne presented a $1 million check to the Stanton Child Resource Center. The project is one of nine community projects Axne submitted for funding through the House Appropriations Committee in April, 2021, and later approved by the full House. Axne tells KMA News she sought money for a new facility after touring the existing facility two years ago. "They're working out of an old steakhouse that really needs expansion and repair," said Axne...

Stanton kicks off 2022 Community Visioning Program

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Stanton is participating in the 2022 Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. Community Visioning is a transportation enhancement planning process that serves Iowa communities under 10,000 in population. The program helps community volunteers envision aesthetic and ecological improvements along roadsides and related landscapes by blending environmental stewardship with community improvement projects. Stanton is one of ten communities selected to participate in this award-winning program. At its first two meetings, the Stanton visioning committee learned public involvement techniques that they will use in the visioning process to assess local resources and identify community needs. The information gathered will...

Rep. Axne Secures $10,196,672 to Support Nine Community Projects in Iowa’s Third District

Thursday, March 10, 2022

DES MOINES – Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA03) announced that $10,196,672 that will go toward nine community projects in Iowa’s Third District was included in the government funding bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Axne submitted her request for funding for the community projects to the House Appropriations Committee in April of 2021 and joined a bipartisan majority of her colleagues in voting to fund the projects this week. “There’s no better feeling than to be able to deliver the money that communities all across Iowa’s Third District specifically requested,” said...

ISU-CIRAS PTAC Meet the Buyers events in April

Wednesday, February 02, 2022

I’m writing to let you know the CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) through Iowa State University is hosting a series of Meet the Buyers events in mid-April. The events are intended to provide networking opportunities between businesses and government buyers. Please help me get the word out to businesses in your area…there’s no cost to attend! Here are the dates and locations: Tues. April 12: Eastern Iowa (Coralville) Wed. April 13: Central Iowa (Johnston) Thurs. April 14: Western Iowa (Sioux City) For more details, and to register:...

Iowa’s creative places to benefit from Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs programs

Thursday, January 13, 2022

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs today announced its latest investments in building culturally vibrant communities and opened a new opportunity for cities and regions seeking to be designated as an Iowa Great Place. The department awarded a total of $250,000 in Strengthening Communities grants, which will benefit seven rural Iowa communities: Clinton, Hampton, Keokuk, Lake City, Maquoketa, Red Oak and Stanton. Strengthening Communities grants support facility renovation and construction projects that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in communities with fewer than 28,000 residents. The grants are made possible by an appropriation from the...

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