Author: Decatur County Development Corporation

The Decatur County Development Corporation is in search of an Executive Director to manage the non-profit organization to support Economic Development in Decatur County, Iowa. The Director will serve as the COO of the organization, and will be responsible for all day-to-day activities and long term strategy for business retention, business expansion, and business recruitment. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Shannon Erb, Board President, at serb@dcdciowa.org by April 15, 2022.

Job Title: Executive Director of the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC)

Job Description: It is the role of the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) Executive Director to facilitate economic growth for Decatur County, IA by fulfilling the following duties as Chief Operating Officer of the organization:

• Focus on supporting existing businesses in Decatur County with business retention and expansion efforts.
• Develop and apply specific local, regional, and state-wide resource tools to support local business development and recruitment efforts.
• Maintain a strong relationship with the following boards by regularly attending meetings:
• Leon Chamber of Commerce/Development Board
  • Lamoni Development Corporation (LDC)
  • Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI)
  • Leon Chamber of Commerce
  • Lamoni Chamber of Commerce
  • Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
  • Iowa Rural Development Council
  • Small Business Development Center
  • Rotary Club of Decatur County
• Stay up-to-date on Iowa Area Development Group and Iowa Economic Development Authority programs, projects, and business incentives.
• Maintain and promote DCDC’s Revolving Loan Fund and other RLFs for entrepreneurs and expanding businesses.
• Oversee all financial activity for the organization managed in QuickBooks, and submit payroll taxes to the state on a quarterly basis and federal taxes on a monthly schedule.
• Attend business recruitment events.
• Attend local, regional and state networking events.
• Work closely with the South Central Small Business Development Center.
• Organize monthly Board of Directors meeting and report on monthly activities, financial reports, and current events of the organization.
• Organize annual meeting in January and provide report on the annual success of DCDC.
• Implement on-going training activities for existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Attend and report to City Council Meetings upon the request of Council, or when projects warrant a discussion.
• Direct all marketing efforts of the organization.
• Attend on-going training sessions and seminars regarding economic development endeavors.
• Seek grants and funding to apply towards economic development.
• Lead and assist in community development programs.
• Maintain a healthy relationship with the business community and all residents in Decatur County.

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Decatur County, Iowa

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in non-profit management preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in Economic or Community Development organizations as a staff member or volunteer preferred.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining partnerships, and networking.
• Self-driven leader with ability to multitask and manage many projects at once.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, assign, and manage the work of volunteer boards and committees.
• Valid driver’s license, and ability to insure.
• Ability to work with business, community, and governmental leaders effectively.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
• Ability to deal with problems and make sound decisions.

Education: BA/BS Degree plus 3-5 years’ experience in economic or community development preferred but not required.

How To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Shannon Erb, Board President, serb@dcdciowa.org by April 15, 2022.

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The Decatur County Development Corporation is in search of an Executive Director to manage the non-profit organization to support Economic Development in Decatur County, Iowa. The Director will serve as the COO of the organization, and will be responsible for all day-to-day activities and long term strategy for business retention, business expansion, and business recruitment. Visit www.dcdciowa.org to read the full job description. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Sue Kelly, Board President, at sue.kelly@mchsi.com.

Job Title: Executive Director of the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC)

Job Description: It is the role of the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) Executive Director to facilitate economic growth for Decatur County, IA by fulfilling the following duties as Chief Operating Officer of the organization:

• Focus on supporting existing businesses in Decatur County with business retention and expansion efforts.
• Develop and apply specific local, regional, and state-wide resource tools to support local business development and recruitment efforts. 
• Maintain a strong relationship with the following boards by regularly attending meetings:
• Leon Chamber of Commerce/Development Board
• Lamoni Development Corporation (LDC) 
• Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI)
• Leon Chamber of Commerce
• Lamoni Chamber of Commerce
• Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
• Iowa Rural Development Council
• Small Business Development Center

• Stay up-to-date on Iowa Area Development Group and Iowa Economic Development Authority programs, projects, and business incentives.
• Maintain and promote DCDC’s Revolving Loan Fund and other RLFs for entrepreneurs and expanding businesses.
• Oversee all financial activity for the organization managed in QuickBooks, and submit payroll taxes to the state on a quarterly basis and federal taxes on a monthly schedule.
• Attend business recruitment events.
• Attend local, regional and state networking events.
• Work closely with Ethan Pitt from the South Central Small Business Development Center.
• Organize monthly Board of Directors meeting and report on monthly activities, financial reports, and current events of the organization. 
• Organize annual meeting in January and provide report on the annual success of DCDC.
• Implement on-going training activities for existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Attend and report to City Council Meetings upon the request of Council, or when projects warrant a discussion.
• Direct all marketing efforts of the organization.
• Attend on-going training sessions and seminars regarding economic development endeavors.
• Seek grants and funding to apply towards economic development.
• Lead and assist in community development programs.
• Maintain a healthy relationship with the business community and all residents in Decatur County.

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Decatur County, Iowa

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in non-profit management preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in Economic or Community Development organizations as a staff member or volunteer preferred.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining partnerships, and networking.
• Self-driven leader with ability to multitask and manage many projects at once.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, assign, and manage the work of volunteer boards and committees.
• Valid driver’s license, and ability to insure.
• Ability to work with business, community and governmental leaders effectively.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
• Ability to deal with problems and make sound decisions.

Education

BA/BS Degree plus 3-5 years’ experience in economic or community development preferred but not required.

How To Apply Email cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Sue Kelly, Board President, sue.kelly@mchsi.com.

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Beginning March 23, 2020 Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) will be accepting applications for its newly reallocated Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Applications may be obtained by contacting Shannon Erb, Executive Director, via email at serb@dcdciowa.org, or phone call or text message at 641-442-6511. Businesses applying for the DCDC-RLF must be a small or emerging business with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Types of businesses that may apply are Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, and Corporations. 

Emergency Microloans are available with the following specifications:

• Business must be located in Decatur County, Iowa.
• No less than $1, no more than $2,000 loan made to any single business.
• Interest rate of 0%.
• Repayment timeline of up to 2 years, with initial payment deferred up to 6 months.

Items to be financed may include but are not limited to:

• Utility payments.
• Rent/lease payments on building or equipment essential to business operations.
• Existing debt for which default would cause loss of essential business supplies.
• Essential personnel payroll.

Businesses interested in this program must:

• Complete an application as provided by DCDC.
• Provide up to 3 years of tax returns (if available).
• Provide up to 3 years of profit and loss statements for the business (if available).
• Provide current financial statement.
• Provide copies of expenditures to be paid with RLF funds.
• Provide substitute documents if those above are not available, upon approval by the Executive Director.

For more information and to obtain an application contact Shannon Erb, Executive Director, via email at serb@dcdciowa.org, or phone call or text message at 641-442-6511.

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DCDC is looking for a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA member to join our team in 2020 for a 1-year appointment. This position will be responsible for the following project:

1. Continue the work done in year one to plan and manage enrichment programs at Lamoni Elementary School and Mormon Trail High School to connect business owners with students to introduce them to career opportunities close to home.
2. Assist the DCDC Executive Director in setting up a pilot high school business incubator for Decatur County students.
3. Increase public facing marketing for the Decatur County Development Corporation, and implement a new fundraising plan to increase donations to DCDC in 2020.
4. Build a database of all available development land and buildings throughout Decatur County. The database should include, but not be limited to: owner information, owner relationship with DCDC, utility information, property/building size, location, pricing, etc. This database will be used to assist the Executive Director when completing recruiting activities to bring new businesses to Decatur County.

The start date for this position is flexible, and paid training is included. The position comes with a stipend, mileage reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.

To learn more and apply, click here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=92949 , or contact our Executive Director, Shannon Erb, at 641-446-4991, or email her.

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The Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) has been selected as a beneficiary for the month of February in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits.

The Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, which launched in November 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities customers live and work. DCDC was selected as the February beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hy-Vee located at 1004 W 1^st Street in Leon. DCDC will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 red My Heart Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during February, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“DCDC is a non-profit organization that operates based on generous donations from our business, municipal and county partners. Without this support, DCDC would not be able to recruit business, grow business, add jobs, or continue the development of Leon and Decatur County. By participating in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, you can help us grow our budget to have a larger impact. Every dollar counts,” said Shannon Erb, Executive Director of DCDC.

Learn more about DCDC by visiting www.dcdciowa.org . For more information on the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program, visit hy-vee.bags4mycause.com .

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The Decatur County Development Corporation is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Leon area.  This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Leon’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Leon area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high quality workforce.

For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Leon asking that they provide us with aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow us to determine what the scope and scale of Leon’s Laborshed area is and better understand where Leon’s workforce resides.

A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area.  Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online and/or they will receive a telephone call to take the survey. The survey call originates out of Cedar Rapids, IA, therefore, the incoming number will have the 319 area code. It is possible that you may receive a text message from their 888 number as well, alerting you to expect a call from them. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth.

Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed.  If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Shannon Erb with the Decatur County Development Corporation at 641-446-4991.

Thank you for your support and participation.

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The Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) and Central Decatur High School, in partnership with GRM Networks^©, City of Leon, Rotary Club of Decatur County, and MFA Oil Foundation, hosted a grand opening for a new business incubator and co-working space to serve high school students throughout Decatur County. The N.E.S.T (Nurturing Entrepreneurial Students for Tomorrow) is located in the Leon Community Center.

This project originated with students in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club at Central Decatur High School. This group formed in 2016, and as they thought about way to fundraise to support group efforts, they have focused on providing “value added” services to businesses throughout Decatur County in exchange for donations.

FBLA students plan to start by offering social media marketing to small and medium businesses in Leon. Students also have interest in working on other marketing material such as print, photography, videography, market research and analysis, and more.

Almost $20,000 in grants and in-kind contributions have been secured to fund the installation of this incubator in the Leon Community Center. This off-campus space will be used to host meetings, make presentations to business owners and potential clients, and collaborate.

DCDC will partner with the county director of the Senior Corps Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Rotary Club of Decatur County to recruit volunteers to help manage the incubator during open hours. The DCDC Executive Director will also hold office hours in the incubator, and will be available at any time to provide guidance and connect students to resources to assist in the continuous development of this program. If you are interested in utilizing this service for your business, contact Shannon Erb, DCDC Executive Director, by email at serb@dcdciowa.org, or by calling 641-442-6511.

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The Board of Directors of Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation d/b/a GRM Networks® has designated funds, in the amount of $37,176.00, to the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) for economic development. The Economic Development Opportunity Funds (EDOF) will be disbursed under the direction of the Iowa Area Development Group acting as the agent for GRM Networks®.

The contributed funds will be targeted toward qualifying projects that include activity that supports business development, community development and/or community facility assistance and be geared toward creating and/or retaining employment in Decatur County.

The monies contributed to the DCDC Economic Development Opportunity Fund are from the unclaimed patronage capital credits of former cooperative members. In accordance with Iowa law, the funds, known as escheated funds, can be used for the development of economic opportunities of the cooperative members.

For more information on the EDOF program, contact Shannon Erb, DCDC Executive Director, by phone 641-442-6511 or at the DCDC office located at 207 N Main, Leon, IA.

GRM Networks® is proud to support the continued growth of the communities it serves.

About GRM Networks®
GRM Networks® is a member owned cooperative that provides communication services to customers located within a 4,500 square mile radius that covers 44 exchanges in northern Missouri and southern Iowa. GRM Networks® is dedicated to delivering reliable, advanced communications technology while providing an exceptional customer experience. GRM Networks® is committed to promoting and investing in its local communities. LTC Networks® & SCC Networks® are subsidiaries of GRM Networks®. For more information about GRM Networks® visit www.grm.net.

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