News : Celebrate the Economic Development in Benton County

Economic Development Week will be celebrated in Benton County and Iowa’s Creative Corridor May 8th - May 14th. Economic development happens year round in our communities, mostly behind the scenes. This will be a week dedicated to building awareness for the work of economic developers and the opportunities that are created through the work of community leaders and volunteers that contribute to greater economic development. The week will be highlighted by a social media campaign by using #CorridorEDWeek to be shared on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin accounts for economic development professionals and organizations throughout Iowa’s Creative Corridor.

Economic development outcomes are vital to our community’s success. “Economic development is the engine that drives community viability. As a business owner, I am most attracted to a community that consistently demonstrates the willingness to invest in itself,” recognizes President and CEO of Ideal Industries, Patrick Lyons. The Benton County Board of Supervisors have continued to show support and invest in economic development for the betterment of Benton County. Most recently, the Board of Supervisors showed their support by signing a resolution which commends the work of economic development organizations throughout the county (Benton Development Group, Vinton Unlimited and Belle Plaine Community Development) and in Iowa’s Creative Corridor, as well as recognizing May 8th-May 14th as Economic Development Week in Benton County.

Economic developers are charged with generating economic growth, creating better jobs for residents and facilitating an improved quality of life.“Generally speaking, developing anything energizes the community. New parks, trails, and public services are great investments in our community. Combine that with a growing business base and the jobs and services that those businesses offer and you have a thriving community. Economic development is important because it promotes these things and moves the community forward” In order to continue growing our thriving community that Mr. Guenther speaks about, Benton Development Group has established four priorities for the years to come: businesses expansion & retention, housing, workforce development, and entrepreneurial development.

In addition to following the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, please visit our blog on our website (www.bdgia.com/blog) to learn how each of our priorities will provide lasting results in our communities, in Iowa’s Creative Corridor and the State of Iowa. Additional organizations to follow in Iowa’s Creative Corridor include: the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD), Jones County Economic Development Group, Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG).