JACKSON COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE CELEBRATES ITS PARTNERS

(Maquoketa, IA) – The Jackson County Economic Alliance (JCEA) held its Annual Investor & Partner Appreciation Event on Thursday, June 23^rd, 2022. The reception was hosted by Offshore Development. There were over 100 attendees including Board members, investors, and other partnering organizations.

Director Kelley Brown, Senior Advisor Dave Heiar, and Assistant Director Ben Davison provided an overview of the JCEA’s efforts over the last year. Heiar began by highlighting the JCEA’s focus on business and industry development. He noted that the office assisted with five local start-ups and seven business expansions. Based on building permits for 2021, there were commercial investments totaling over $15 million.

In 2018, the Board had set a five-year goal of $50 million of investment. In just four years there have been more than $75 million of investment.

Davison discussed the growth of local wages, another goal established by the JCEA Board. In 2018, the goal was to increase average wages by $2.00 per hour to $16.50. In the first quarter of 2022, the average wage was $18.73 for Jackson County.

Heiar described their community development efforts as “an important tool for the successful recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce, and a robust workforce is necessary for the success of our businesses and industries.” Efforts to this end that were highlighted related to housing, downtown revitalization, and leadership development initiatives. Heiar also highlighted that over the past 9 years the JCEA has been involved in securing over $19 million in grant funding for various projects and industrial development.

During the overview, there were also snapshots of various projects and initiatives including Offshore, the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities, Innovate 120, and the historic renovation of 110 South Main in Maquoketa.

The 2021-22 fiscal year was described as the year of transitions due to the many staffing changes at the JCEA. Two long time employees, Nic Hockenberry and Stephanie Sagers, left to accept other positions. Katlynne Wolf, a Loras College student, filled some of the voids during this past year. Heiar will be retiring at the end of June. Brown and Davison are the new leadership team for the JCEA.

At the conclusion of the 2021-22 overview, Heiar stated “The success of the Alliance depends on private/public partnerships. I can’t thank our investors enough for their investment in the future of our county. Economic Development is a team sport which requires planning, collaboration, and partnerships. We have made great strides in the past 9 years, and I am excited for the groundwork that has been put into place for the future.”

For more information on the Jackson County Economic Alliance visit their website, www.thejcea.org, and like them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/jacksoncountyeconomicalliance.