A copy of the newsletter for the Kossuth Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation.

1. Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation
• PA
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106 S. Dodge Suite 210 Algona, IA 50511 Phone 515.295.7979 Fax 515.295.8873 kcedc@kossuthia.com
VOLUME 16 NUMBER 1 JANUARY-JUNE 2013
Business-Building Reminders
to Share with your Community Merchants
The Christmas and Holiday retail season easily outshines other times of the services, i.e., shipping, if this area is a mess with clutter and food.
year in sales, but it can also be the most exhausting. With proper planning • Listening, really listening to customers. If you don’t really listen and show
and preparation, it can be not only a successful and memorable season, but in customers the wrong merchandise -- they will assume you don’t have what
the most positive sense of the word, an enjoyable one for owners, managers, they are looking for and leave.
staff, and certainly customers. • Stocking and cleaning during hours when the store is not open. Doing
these chores when the store is open is inconsiderate to shoppers and
LET’S START . . . doesn’t convey a professional image. Instead have the staff mingle with
• Having all salespeople read company ads, catalogs, literature, Facebook, the customers and help with suggestions.
Twitter and Blogs before customers come in with questions and inquiries. • Having all cash registers open when the store is busy. An extra staff member
An uninformed salesperson is bad for business. Also check out everything can mingle with the customers in line -- making additional suggestions.
about the competition. • Getting everyone on board. Ensuring that everyone in the organization
• Staying open longer hours. You want your community to shop locally -- so understands what the winning advantage is and what their role is in
make it easier for your customers that have a job and are working. supporting it.
• Establishing dress codes for employees and enforcing these dress codes. • Making every customer feel special.
(Even if there is a uniform -- it should be clean, neat, etc.) Employees are
the representatives of the store and should project the image the store LET’S STOP . . .
wants to convey. • Trying to get a head start on store closing times. Vacuuming while the store
• Greeting everyone who walks through the door. Coming up with different is still open is rude and should be done after the store closes.
greetings -- so customers don’t hear the same greeting over and over when • Helping phone inquiries while other customers are in the store waiting to be
shopping in the store. helped. The customer in the store should take precedence. Have someone
• Making it comfortable for customers to shop. Adjusting the thermostat besides the cashier answer the phone.
because customers may be wearing coats and the staff can wear a sweater. • Running out of sale items or advertised specials early on the first day of
Perhaps a rack for customer’s coats and a place to check packages. the promotion. A product should not be advertised unless there is sufficient
• Having employees identify themselves when answering the phone. This stock.
adds a professional touch and provides the caller with a person to identify • Using the store phone for personal calls.
with on the other end of the line. Source: Barbara Wold International
• Cleaning up the cash-wrap area as-you-go and putting everything in its
place. Customers are concerned about transaction accuracy and your
www.kossuth-edc.com Kossuth/Palo Alto County
Economic Development
www.paloaltoiowa.com
Corporation

2. Aluma Announces Expansion To Emmetsburg Location
by Dan Voigt, Emmetsburg Publishing
BANCROFT – More details have been made to secure additional space quickly to secure the Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development
public regarding the purchase of the former contracts within our dealer network,” Lloyd said. Corporation. “With the potential of creating 20-
SkyJack building in Emmetsburg by Aluma Ltd. of “This expansion will provide the capacity necessary 25 new jobs, this will certainly inject additional
Bancroft. The purchase of the 105,000 square foot to meet the needs of our current dealers and will dollars into our local economy. The realtors worked
facility was announced Monday morning. allow us to pursue additional opportunities that very hard to get the building sold and it has truly
According to Aluma President Mike Lloyd, Aluma weren’t possible with our existing facility.” been a pleasure to work with all of our local
agreed to terms with SkyJack Manufacturing, Inc. Currently, Aluma operates out of a facility in partners for financial incentives which included the
of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, to purchase their Bancroft, where Dean Maschoff founded the firm City of Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County officials and
former manufacturing facility, located on Highway in 1992. The company grew rapidly from that start the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corp.
4 South in Emmetsburg to facilitate expansion of into a 12,000 square foot building in Bancroft in Board of Directors. This is an exciting time and
Aluma’s business. 1995. Just three years later, demand for Aluma’s great opportunity for our area.”
“The expansion is necessary to support the products prompted the doubling of the facility to The closing date for the sale was November
production requirements of Aluma’s growing its current size of 24,000 square feet. 1st. Once updates and preparations have been
network of aluminum trailer dealers,“ Lloyd Aluma, Ltd. builds over 60 different models completed to the structure, plans call for the facility
explained. “This facility will provide space and types of aluminum utility trailers for ATV, to be operational by spring of 2013. The enclosed
for warehousing, production, research and utility, motorcycle, raft, watercraft, car hauler, trailer line will be moved from the Bancroft plant
development of the enclosed trailer line.” snowmobile and enclosed trailers along with to Emmetsburg. According to Lloyd, this move
The former SkyJack building has been vacant picnic tables. Currently, the Bancroft facility should help shorten lead times on orders from
since the firm, which built construction man lift manufactures 50 trailers per day. 8 - 10 weeks to 5 - 6 weeks.
equipment, closed its operations in Emmetsburg “We were very pleased that Aluma, Ltd. Aluma officials expect to add 20 to 25 new
nearly three years ago. has purchased the former SkyJack building in jobs over the next three years with the expansion
“Over the past two and a half years, our Emmetsburg to expand their trailer product line,” into Emmetsburg.
growth has exceeded our forecasts and we needed noted Maureen Elbert, Executive Director of
From left to right are Palo Alto County Gaming Board members
Bill Lapczenski and Lloyd C. Petersen, Mike Lloyd of Aluma, Ltd, Maureen Elbert of KPACEDC, and PACGBC members
Skip Wallace and Kay Suhr. PACGDC presented Aluma Ltd with an incentive check of $22,500 to assist the firm in opening a location in Emmetsburg.
2 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

3. Calling Kossuth County Home for
Husband-Wife Chiropractic Team
What does your health mean to you? Having the ability to play with your kids? Walking through the woods to
your deer stand? Or maybe it’s just waking up every day and feeling great.
My name is Dr. Rebecca Walker and my passion lies in health. My husband, Dr. Jacob Walker, and I believe that
an active lifestyle, eating right and a positive outlook can make all the difference to living the life you want. For that
reason, we are thrilled to start our lives at Walker Chiropractic & Wellness in Algona, Swea City and the surrounding
area.
While Dr. Jacob’s history started as a hometown boy from Algona, mine began in Bemidji, MN. But
in 2009, plans for an education with a natural approach to health care brought us both to Northwestern
Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn. We met, we married and we moved.
Our decision to bring Walker Chiropractic & Wellness to Kossuth County came after a long road of trials
and tribulations in establishing a new business. It wasn’t exactly clear where our practice would begin but
we felt a calling to serve the Algona community. Shortly after we found an unexpected opportunity; the
need for a health care professional at the Main Street Manor in Swea City. It was a blessing to finally find
our calling here, and on August 6, we opened our doors to the first of our two locations in Swea City. The
Algona location has been open since September 10.
Both of our Algona and Swea City offices offer complete chiropractic examinations and treatment that
focuses on the individual. Walker Chiropractic & Wellness also provides DOT physicals, athletic physicals,
meal planning and nutritional
consultation incorporated with First Line Therapy. We believe that good health comes
from a change in lifestyle, not just a diet.
We have already been so blessed in our lives with a great education, letting us
pursue our dreams to serve others. And, further, we are thankful for the opportunity to
make our business a reality with the help of the Kossuth County Economic Development
Corporation. They have been a great support, and we appreciate their belief in Walker
Chiropractic & Wellness, helping equip us to serve the communities of Kossuth County.
We look forward to meeting you, serving you, and becoming a permanent part of
these communities!
MIGP Unveils
Television Segment for
“Today In America”
Mid Iowa Growth Partnership recently unveiled a television segment produced and aired on the “Today in America” program hosted by Terry Bradshaw. It
is part of the “Best Places to Live, Work and Play in the 21st Century” in the “Discover America” series. The segment aired nationally on FOX Business Network
and CNN Headline News in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis markets.
An educational feature, this half-hour program is designed to educate business professionals & consumers on topics, trends and issues related to today’s
ever-changing business and global economic issues. The program will invite associations as well as third party representatives as the “experts” within their
industry.
The segment highlights the rationale behind forming our nine county partnership, features business owners who moved away but came back to start a
business and raise a family, promotes small town living, and introduces America to the heart of business and industry in our region.
The segment can be viewed on the MIGP and K/PACEDC web sites: www.midiowagrowth.com, www.kossuth-edc.com, and www.paloaltoiowa.com.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2013 3

4. WOODFORD EQUIPMENT
GOES
International elevators, farmers and construction companies; lawn mowers are being sold,
too.”
The anchor of Woodford Equipment is Vermeer.
“We are so proud to be in the top ten of Vermeer retailers in the nation,”
said Mary. “That’s huge for us, especially just being into it for two years.”
In addition to Vermeer, the store carries around 40 other brands: Gehl
skid loaders and articulated loaders; Manitou tele-handlers; Hustler lawn
mowers; Unverferth seed tenders, grain carts and wagons; Westendorf and
Koyker, plus many more. Harvest International augers are built in Storm
Lake. The Woodfords look for quality and take pride in offering machinery
that is manufactured locally.
In less than two years, Woodford Equipment has grown to become an This year, Eric and Mary Woodford had visitors from Poland and China.
international dealer of ag equipment. “In Poland they are really into anything they can do to reduce their
Eric and Mary Woodford moved to Emmetsburg and opened Woodford carbon footprint,” said Eric. “They are already selling their crop residues to
Equipment two years ago. They are located at the corner of Highway 4 and coal fired power plants. They’re mixing the biomass with the coal to help
25th Street, south Emmetsburg. clean up their emissions. In China, they are also baling up biomass and
“Our customers have been just great,” said Eric. “Many are our neighbors mixing it with coal to make energy.”
and friends, so they’re not just our customers.” The international guests came to Emmetsburg to look at equipment that
The Woodfords’ business has grown and they have learned in the process. is being used here to see if it will work in their operations. Some equipment
“When we came here, we were on the other side of the desk. We were has already been exported from Emmetsburg to China.
the equipment buyers,” said Mary. “There’s more to this business than just Eric and Mary, and the Vermeer Corporation, work closely with Iowa
selling the equipment. There’s customer relations, advertising and marketing, Lakes Community College. Again this year they are providing a baler for
there’s servicing the equipment after the sale, and there’s the public view of students to learn from and for the college farm to use.
you and your business.” “It gives the kids some actual hands on,” said Eric. “We’re in such a row
Eric added, “Everything from warranty to customer training, there are crop intense area, some of the basic skills of haying equipment have fallen
many fine details that we are learning. I think we’ve aced all of it.” by the wayside. To these kids, a baler is something new so it’s critical that
The Woodfords see an advantage to being a short line farm equipment they get some hands-on time with it.”
dealer. Students from Iowa Lakes have completed on-the-job training at
“We can pick whatever brands we think are the very, very best,” said Woodford Equipment, providing valuable experience for the students
Eric. “Since we’ve opened, we’ve been able to sort through those brands and “We want to help the students, so when biomass really takes off there
decide what suits the needs of our customers the very best. are technicians that know how to maintain and operate and repair the
“The more that we understand our customers needs, the more that we equipment,” said Eric. “It’s still exciting every time we see construction
can tailor our business to fit that need,” he added. “Now that we’ve learned equipment drive by, heading towards POET. That really gets me going. That
our customers and what their needs are, it’s a lot easier.” means reality is here.”
“When we started two years ago, what drew us to the area was Project Woodford Equipment is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30
Liberty and demand for that equipment,” said Mary. “But, like Eric said, p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Phone 712-852-3003.
we’re listening to our customers’ needs. In addition to farm equipment, we Visit their website: woodfordequipment.com
aim to meet the needs of the entire community. Equipment is being sold to —Jane Whitmore, Emmetsburg Publishing story/photos
4 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

5. Cozzini, LLC:
Proudly Serving the Food Processing Industry Worldwide
What once began as Afeco in 1972, Algona Food Equipment Company, is now Cozzini, LLC. Cozzini,
Inc acquired Afeco in September of 2001 to complement its line of equipment serving the food industry.
Today, Cozzini is owned by Middleby Corporation, headquartered in Elgin, IL, as part of their
Processing and Packaging Technology Brands. Cozzini has additional offices or manufacturing
facilities in Chicago, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico.
Cozzini manufactures equipment used in the large-scale production of meat products. The
Algona facility primarily manufactures material handling equipment, such as vat dumpers,
column dumpers, belt conveyors, screw conveyors, pallet lifts, pumping systems, work
platforms and specialized equipment such as declippers or bacon belly feeders. This equipment
is designed for utmost durability and easy sanitation, conforming to highest standards required
by food manufacturers. Cozzini has established itself as a leader in food equipment, capable of
outfitting plants with extensive production lines for high volume production of hot dogs, sausage,
ground meat, whole muscle ham or seafood.
Cozzini’s customer base includes some of the largest names in the food industry in the United
States, including Hillshire Brands, Kraft, ConAgra, Tyson, Hormel, Bar-S and internationally renowned
brands such as Maple Leaf, Sigma Alimentos, Sadia, and Plumrose.
Cozzini employs 41 people at its 40,000 square foot Algona facility. With ever-growing demand for
equipment in South America, Asia, Africa and within the United States, Cozzini is currently expanding
its existing manufacturing facility in Algona to meet the additional production needs. When complete,
the Algona facility will be nearly 60,000 square feet.
MEET PACHS ADMINISTRATOR/CEO, including: Weigh of Life - a medically managed weight-loss
Desiree Einsweiler program, Lifescreen - a screening for stroke, Peek-A-Boo
Imaging – a 4 D obstetric ultrasound for expectant mothers,
and epidurals for childbirth. An upcoming new program will
Desiree Einsweiler, has been on the job, leading Palo Alto include skin enhancement services such as botox and skin peels.
County Health System (PACHS) since May when she was hired In September, the Des Moines Register named Palo Alto County
as Administrator/CEO of Palo Alto County Health System by the Health System a 2012 Top Work Place in Iowa.
Palo Alto County Hospital Board of Trustees and Mercy Medical What’s next? Desiree commented, “In September we began
Center – North Iowa. our strategic planning process which will lead our direction for
Not one to take a back seat, Desiree has jumped into her new role and is the next five years. We received input from county businesses, community
learning about PACHS and her new community. “I was very excited about the members, staff, and the Hospital Board of Trustees. We discussed additional
opportunity to work at Palo Alto County Health System”, commented Desiree. services we should pursue and how we can better serve our community. During
“This is such a great facility and I am impressed with the staff, the quality of the planning process we heard a definite call for more wellness programs and
care, and variety of services we provide. I have also enjoyed being active in services. We look forward to tackling some of these issues.”
the community, participating in programs such as “Then Just Feed One”, and Desiree brought a wealth of knowledge to her new role as administrator
as a member of the Progress Club, Rotary, and the Chamber FUEL group.” of PACHS. Previously she was the Interim Administrator at Mitchell County
Since May under Desiree’s lead, Palo Alto County Health System has Regional Health Center and the Regional Director of Mercy Clinics at Mercy
hired two new physicians, a family practice physician, Abena Krow-Rodney, Medical Center – North Iowa. She was accountable for 12 primary care and
M.D., and a pediatrician, Anjali Henry, M.D. PACHS also added new services specialty clinics, 150 employees, 6 managers, and 34 providers.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2013 5

6. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE AT
Improvements
made to ER,
lab and dialysis
to expand
Improvements are always happening at Renovations will create a more private and dialysis chair units, which will b an iincrease f
it hi h ill be from
Kossuth Regional Health Center. The current focus user-friendly space for patients and staff, plus the five chairs that are currently available. The
is renovating the emergency room and lab, as well upgrade equipment used in the ER. In addition, space required for this number of chairs led the
as expanding and relocating the dialysis center. the project will increase the security of the overall board to seek potential locations outside of the
The second phase of the ER and lab project facility. Access to the hallway leading to the lab, KRHC campus.
began in early September, which included moving digital imaging and emergency departments will “When our board learned that the number
the lab to a temporary location while renovations be limited for greater privacy for patients. would grow to eight chairs, we realized that the
occurred. The lab is now functioning in the “By limiting the traffic in that hallway we’ll space requirements were above and beyond
hallways that were most recently utilized for sleep create a safer, less public place for patients to what we were able to provide here,” said Scott
study rooms and have also previously served as receive care,” Curtis said. Curtis, KRHC Administrator. “Having dialysis
exam rooms for visiting specialists. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, dialysis service at Kossuth Regional service in facilities other than a hospital facility
the lab and south half of the emergency room will Health Center will be increasing its number of is quite common and Mercy has been successful in
be remodeled during this phase of construction. chairs and moving to the building formerly known partnering with communities such as Charles City
Even amidst the renovations and construction, the as the Lynch Law office on Call Street. Dialysis to offer dialysis in a similar setting.”
emergency services and the lab will remain open is made available at KRHC through a partnership KRHC is a member of the Mercy Health
throughout the project. with Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa. KRHC Network and employs approximately 215 people.
“Some services may be moved around a bit will continue to serve as the landlord for the new For more information about KRHC and its services,
during this process, but we’re pleased to be able to space, and will lease the area to Mercy – North please visit the website at www.krhc.com or find
continue offering all the services in this area of the Iowa; dialysis services will continue to be provided Kossuth Regional Health Center on Facebook for
hospital throughout the construction,” said Scott by Mercy Dialysis Center. regular updates and health news, including baby
Curtis, KRHC Administrator. The new space is large enough to host eight announcements.
B R E N D A
C L A R K
H A M I LT O N
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Brenda Clark Hamilton was the keynote speaker for Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation on July
13, September 17, October 31, and December 5th. Many local businesses were able to gain professional training at a very low
cost. Brenda provided professional training on Bringing Your A Game, Exceptional Customer Service, Respecting/Appreciating
Generational Differences at the Workplace and Emotional Intelligence.
6 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

7. ADDS SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH
Farmers State Bank’s Algona forward to sharing it with our announced later this year. has total assets of $105 million.
location is growing. With a community members.” Farmers State Bank, with For more information about
2,000-square-foot expansion project The upgraded facility, set to locations in Algona, West Bend and Farmers State Bank, please visit
that began in June of 2012, the full- be completed in December, will Whittemore, has been a locally www.fsbiowa.com.
service branch will soon have more provide a truly great experience owned bank since 1895, with a long
office and conference space. for customers, and an unmatched history of serving its communities, Member
“We simply outgrew our atmosphere. Unique products and and helping those who live there. FDIC
current facility,” stated Sean services ranging from checking, reach financial success. The bank
Noonan, President and CEO. “To savings and lending will be available, currently employs 22 people, and
be most productive, and for both in addition to a full-service drive-up,
our employees and customers to an ATM and convenient hours.
have the best experience possible Once completed, Farmers State
when they visit our branches, we Bank will host an open house for
needed to add to and reconfigure customers and community members
our workspace. We’re very excited to come visit, take tours, and talk
about its completion, and look with the staff. That date will be
Revolving Loan Fund Available
for Small Business Development
in Palo Alto County
Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation (PACEDC) has established the Palo Alto County Revolving Loan Fund for small business
development. The RLF provides a source of financing, which may not otherwise be available within the county for local expanding or start-up businesses.
PACEDC was successful in applying for the RLF through USDA Rural Development and was awarded $70,000. USDA requires a minimum of $100,000
in seed money when applying and thanks to the commitment from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation, Palo Alto County Banks, and Palo
Alto County Board of Supervisors, PACEDC was successful in accomplishing this. PACEDC has $210,000 available for small business development loans.
“A revolving loan fund is an essential tool for business expansion and recruitment,” said Executive Director, Maureen Elbert. Elbert explained that
economic development is key to the survival of Palo Alto County. The purpose of establishing a revolving loan fund is to assist borrower requests for
“gap” financing. This type of financing fills the void between the total cost of the project and the total amount of funds the borrower has available from
other sources such as owner’s cash, commercial bank loans, and government funding. With the development of a revolving loan fund, PACEDC is able to
assist small businesses with gap financing. Incentives such as fixed rate, low interest, and/or long-term financing are important to a business wanting
to locate or expand within our county. We appreciated the assistance we received from Chris Mercer, Community Development Manager of USDA Rural
Development with their USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant.
Elbert noted that the Palo Alto County Revolving Loan Fund Review Committee has already approved a loan to Picray Welding of Emmetsburg for
his building expansion and is excited to work in the future with more business entrepreneurs on expansion projects or start-up business opportunities.
The application and guidelines are posted on the PACEDC website at www.paloaltoiowa.com. Palo Alto County Banks also have information about
the RLF at their financial institutions. “The Palo Alto County Revolving Loan Fund will certainly assist with economic opportunities and when the loan is
repaid, it replenishes the fund to support other projects,” said Elbert. Elbert is looking forward to assisting anyone seeking more information about the
RLF program and encourages them to contact her office at 515-295-7979.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2013 7

8. Conley Nelson, a farmer and pork production executive from Algona, Iowa, was elected president
of the 15-member National Pork Board Tuesday during the board’s meeting prior to the World
Pork Expo in Des Moines. Nelson, who had been the board’s vice president, owns a 4,400-head
wean-to-finish operation on a farm that has been in his family for 121 years. He also is general
manager of the Murphy-Brown LLC Midwest operation that oversees 75,000 sows and markets
3.4 million hogs a year.
Nelson succeeds Everett Forkner, a farmer from Richards, Mo., who will remain on the board’s
Executive Committee as immediate past president.
Nelson said he hopes to draw on his experience as a smaller producer and as a production
manager for one of the nation’s largest production companies to help the board guide pork producers
through some of the tough challenges facing the pork industry. “Our strategic plan is dedicated to preserving
the ability of producers to make decisions about what works best for their farms and their animals,” he said.
“We’re seeing an increasing number of examples where those outside production agriculture are trying to dictate how
we care for our animals. As pork producers we must stay unified. I will work to assure that all producers, regardless of the size of their operation or their
production style, have a voice in these decisions.”
“It’s also important,” he said, “to continue to build trust with our customers and with consumers by demonstrating our commitment to continuous
improvement. We have both a great product and a great story to tell about how we are producing more pork for a hungry world using fewer natural
resources. We can’t lose sight of the importance of telling our success stories.”
Nelson is in his second, three-year term on the National Pork Board. He serves on the Checkoff’s Domestic Marketing Committee, Trade Committee
and Budget Committee. He has served on the Animal Welfare and Audit Committees and is a 2005 graduate of the Pork Leadership Academy. He also has
served on the Iowa Pork Producers board of directors, and is a member of the Kossuth County Pork Producers and the Humboldt County Farm Bureau.
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with
pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork
products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail
and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.
For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at
www.pork.org.
Nelson outlined three issues facing the pork industry: 1) pulling together all the agriculture groups to speak as one to promote trust and image; 2)
stabilizing profitability in the industry through increased demand, not downsizing; 3) leveraging the limited dollars to keep productive research moving
the industry forward.
Nelson lists his strengths as creating a positive environment and getting people on the same page. He has had extensive experience in developing
people and teams to operate at high levels with people working together well. He is ready to stand up and defend the U.S. pork industry. He is an Operation
Main Street speaker and conducts interviews with the media talking about the positives of the pork industry. He is seeking this position because he believes
the current vision of the National Pork Board is more focused and is hitting the critical needs of the industry and he wants to see that vision through with
another three-year term.
Information submitted by National Park Board
AG EDUCATION DAY 2013
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wild Rose Casino • Emmetsburg, IA
Visit our website at www.kossuth-edc.com and www.paloaltoiowa.com f more information.
b k h d d l l for f
8 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

9. Wind energy production is already a big success story in Iowa and other parts of
the United States! Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of total electrical generation
from wind energy at an estimated 20% (the first state in the nation to achieve this goal)
and is second to Texas in installed capacity at 4,322 MW. According to AWEA estimates
the Iowa wind energy industry currently supports 6,000 to 7,000 wind related jobs
which ranks first nationally. Iowa is one of only 2 states to produce all three major wind turbine components with nacelles, blades and towers manufactured
here! Further, almost 50% of the national wind turbine supply chain companies have a presence in Iowa.
Landowners receive an estimated $12.67 million dollars annually in land lease payments and the increase in the property tax assessed value is estimated
at $2.6 billion. Over $10 billion of capital investment has been made in Iowa in wind farm and industrial development attributed to wind energy companies.
Wind turbines in Buena Vista County comprise 6.5% of the total property tax base of the county!
The Iowa Wind Energy Association is proposing a goal of 10,000 MW of installed capacity by 2020 and 20,000 MW by 2030. If achieved, here are
the estimated increases in job creation and economic impact. We would need 16,100 more turbines installed which would be a boon to the industry. This is
projected to create 16,467 new jobs at an estimated annual payroll of $427.4 million dollars. Annual land lease payments would increase by $80.5 million
and the added property tax valuation is projected to be $10 billion dollars after the tax abatement period passes in 5 to 6 years!
According to NREL, Iowa’s total available wind resource could produce 570,000 MW if fully harnessed, so we’d still just be using a small percentage (3.5%)
of our total wind resource. As you can see, the Iowa Wind Energy industry can be a very significant part of our economic recovery.
To do this, we need 3 key areas addressed: 1) Increased electrical transmission infrastructure and improvements in the existing electrical grid operation;
2) Adopt a national Renewable Electricity Standard of 20% by 2030; and 3) Extend the current Federal Production Tax Credit by a minimum of 10 years!
Iowa is proof positive that this can be done and with great benefits to our economy, employment and energy independence.
Maureen Elbert Receives
Award at Business Retention
and Expansion Conference
Maureen Elbert, Executive Director for Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development
Corporation, was honored at the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Conference held in
Des Moines on May 3, 2012. The Professional Developers of Iowa presented Elbert with an
award for the development of an Existing Industry Report/Economic Analysis in the Single Business Retention and Expansion Success category.
The Existing Industry Report highlights information about Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties, such as
business expansions, workforce availability, workforce quality, and provides a business economic impact
analysis showing the value companies have on the local economy.
The generation of this report was truly a collaborative effort. Partners in the project included the
economic development corporation, the University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making and
the area’s CEO Steering Committee which is made up of CEOs and individuals in leadership roles in both
counties.
Utilizing information from 192 company visits with major employers to complement data collected
from the local schools, the hospital and Wild Rose Casino, the team was able to generate the economic
impact report with the IMPLAN software model.
The report is used to: Identify growth in local companies, forecast economic investment, generate
facts to support business attraction marketing initiatives, and provide accurate and up-to-date
information for prospects, utility partners, state and county officials, and area businesses that
request data.
Not only has this report assisted the community in working with its local businesses, but it
has become a marketing tool used to target specific industries nationwide and demonstrate why
Kossuth and Palo Alto counties would be a perfect fit for their business.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2013 9

10. Cook’s Scrap Iron began in 1913 by Frank Cook. He started on South Moore Street buying junk cars and taking furs from trappers. He moved to
South Phillips St. in the late 1930’s and began taking steam engines along with cars and metals. Elmer Cook, middle son of Frank Cook, took over in
1946 and moved the business across the tracks, taking used cars, farm iron and metals, building an office with storage, then a Quonset for storage.
Dwight Cook, youngest son of Frank, took over in 1957 and continued dealing in used iron and metals. In the 1970’s a block building was erected
off East McGregor Street. A new office and new steel was added. They continued taking scrap iron and metals.
William Cook, oldest son of Dwight, bought out his father in 1997. William put welding supplies in the front of the block building. The welding
supplies have outgrown the area allotted for this, so a new building is being erected at this time measuring 60 ft. x 132 ft. It will house two new offices,
bathrooms, large show room, storage for supplies and a large new shop area. Scrap is being taken at the back of the property, located on the south
end of Sample Street.
Cook’s is hoping to have a grand opening and 100th birthday party in the summer of 2013. At this time, Cook’s is buying prepared and unprepared
scrap iron, metals consisting of aluminum, stainless, coppers #1 and #2 dirty and clean, brasses yellow and red, batteries, radiators aluminum or copper,
cast and lead.
In the block building on McGregor, Cook’s sells welders, welding supplies, plasma cutters, torch, gasses for welding and cutting, and other cutting
supplies. All this will move to the new building when completed. The original building will house new steel consisting of angles, flats, channels, pipe,
square tubing, round tube, rectangular tube, sheets, plates, rounds, rerod, H&I beams. Aluminum steel will also be available in angles, flats, channels,
pipe, sq. tube, rectangular tube, rounds, sheets and colored sheets.
At the present time Cook’s employs 6 full time and 2 part time employees. Most are family members that have worked in the business since their
school years. Cook’s also is involved in recycling, taking almost anything that is metal, but cannot take appliances, sealed containers, or tires.
We are located at 900 E. McGregor Street. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Scrap receiving is 8:00 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturdays.
We have seen family generations as customers and would like to thank everyone. We greatly appreciate every last transaction, big or small, even
if it’s just to visit. Thank you!
2012
GUEST SPEAKER
David Vaudt
David Vaudt, Iowa Auditor of State, was the guest
speaker for Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic
Development Corporation on June 29, 2012 at the
Wild Rose Resort & Casino. Attendees included city Algona
clerks, librarians and other city and county officials. Community
Vaudt spoke on fraud in government accounting and Schools
the State of Iowa’s budget.
10 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com

11. AMERICINN OF ALGONA IS
EXPANDING
The AmericInn of Algona broke ground in October on an 18 room addition. The
hotel opened in June of 1997 and is currently a 41 room hotel. The AmericInn Algona
is currently in the midst of an ambitious renovation, creating a fresh, updated look
and feel through contemporary new guest room furnishings, fixtures and related
improvements incorporating such elements as 32” flat screen televisions, new cozy
Serta Perfect Sleeper® beds, furniture, draperies, artwork and contemporary
interior paint schemes
The AmericInn Algona features great rates and amenities such as a free, hot,
home-style AmericInn Perk breakfast, free hotel-wide wireless high-speed Internet,
inviting swimming pools and Easy Rewards guest loyalty program.
The property is owned by AlgonInn LLC, an Iowa based company and is leased
and managed by Interstate Management Corporation; also a north Iowa based
Corporation. The hotel is managed by Algona resident Seth Pompe. For reservations
call 800.634.3444 or visit AmericInn.com.
An Appreciation Coffee was held October 4, 2012 for the Volunteers
of Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation.
Pictured from left to right are: Jan Murray, Rita Green, Evelyn
Lickteig, Iris Hackbarth, Marilyn Lensing, Peg Lallier, Betty Murphy,
Marilyn Frideres, and Jean Knobloch.
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2013 11

12. KOSSUTH COUNTY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
106 S. DODGE ST SUITE 210 ALGONA, IA 50511 PHONE: 515.295.7979
BUSINESS INVESTORS Gold-Eagle Cooperative Stuart Simonson, CPA
Congratulations to the 1000+
Algona Area Economic Development Corp.
Good Samaritan Society of Algona
Heartland Mutual Insurance Assoc.
Titonka-Burt Communications
West Iowa Bank
following businesses Celebrating Algona Medical Clinic II
Algona Municipal Utilities
Hy-Vee
I&S Group
BUSINESS INVESTORS
$50 - $249
Milestone Anniversaries in 2013 Alliant Energy KLGA “Hometown Radio” Algona Dairy Queen
Bank Plus Kemna GM Center Algona Family YMCA
75 YEARS & OVER: Kossuth Abstract & Title Company
CHROME TRUCK STOP ...................................... 75 YEARS Buchanan, Bibler, Gabor & Meis Algona Hearing Center
Central Financial Group North Iowa Lumber & Design Algona Lions Club
COOK’S SCRAP IRON ...................................... 100 YEARS
IOWA STATE BANK ............................................ 85 YEARS Country Maid, Inc. Northwest Communications Algona Machine & Supply
KOSSUTH COUNTY FARM BUREAU ..................... 95 YEARS Cozzini, LLC Reding’s Gravel & Excavating Algona Manor Care Center
LONE ROCK COOPERATIVE TELEPHONE CO. ...... 110 YEARS Elbert Chevrolet Whittemore Municipal Utilities AmericInn of Algona
PIONEER HI-BRED ............................................. 75 YEARS Erpelding, Voigt & Company BUSINESS INVESTORS Animal Medical Center
WEST BEND JOURNAL ....................................... 95 YEARS Farmers & Traders Savings Bank $250 - $499 Arnold Motor Supply
50 – 70 YEARS: Farmers State Bank ATC Cablevision Bancroft CarGo
ALGONA GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER ................. 55 YEARS Green Plains Renewable Energy Albion Advanced Nutrition Bancroft Municipal Utility
DIAMONDS CLOTHING ...................................... 60 YEARS Humboldt County REC Algona Floor Design Blair & Amanda Redenius
FAREWAY ......................................................... 60 YEARS Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Algona Frame & Auto Body Bloom Floral Design Boutique
MILLER FREIGHTLINES ....................................... 60 YEARS Iowa State Bank Bob Becker Construction Boyken Insurance Agency
NORTHWEST COMMUNICATIONS ....................... 50 YEARS
ITC Midwest, LLC Brenda Clark-Hamilton “Professional Growth Columbia Hall
REDINGS GRAVEL & EXCAVATING ...................... 65 YEARS
25 – 45 YEARS: Klein Insurance Agency Programs” Friends of Bishop Garrigan
AG ADVISORY, LTD ........................................... 30 YEARS KOFAB Deitering Bros., Inc. Jack’s O.K. Tire Service
ALGONA FLOOR DESIGN ................................... 35 YEARS Kossuth County Community Foundation Diamond’s of Algona Johnny’s Restaurant/Jumbo’s Liquor
ALGONA GLASS ................................................ 35 YEARS Kossuth Regional Health Center Dump It Sanitation & Recycling Kiwanis Club of Algona Morwens
ALGONA MANOR CARE CENTER ......................... 25 YEARS MaxYield Cooperative Ernie Williams, Ltd. Kossuth County Farm Bureau
HENRY-OLSON FUNERAL HOMES ....................... 45 YEARS MidAmerican Energy Farmers Cooperative Elevator Lone Rock Cooperative Telephone Company
HY-VEE ............................................................. 45 YEARS Murphy-Brown, LLC Farmers Trust & Savings Bank Motor Inn of Algona
KEMNA GM CENTER .......................................... 25 YEARS Northwest Bank Fenchel, Doster & Buck, P.L.C. Peterson & Lipps Law Office
KMART............................................................. 35 YEARS Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company Five Star Cooperative Reutzel Excavating
NEW COOPERATIVE .......................................... 40 YEARS Pioneer Hi-Bred International Floors “N” More Spa Dee Dah, Too!
NORTH IOWA APPLIANCE CENTER ..................... 35 YEARS SBEMCO International “Matting by Design” Foertsch Plumbing & Heating Susan Post, CPA
NORTH IOWA LUMBER & DESIGN, INC. .............. 25 YEARS Security State Bank Heartland Power Cooperative The Chocolate Season/Bradley Jensen Photography
PETERSON & LIPPS ATTORNEYS......................... 30 YEARS Snap-On Henry-Olson Funeral Homes Tom Eischen Sales
PROADVANTAGE SERVICES – WEST BEND .......... 30 YEARS
StateLine Cooperative Innovations Salon & Spa Wine & Spirits Shoppe
SKOGLAND MEAT & LOCKER.............................. 35 YEARS
TITONKA CARE CENTER ..................................... 40 YEARS Titonka Savings Bank Jerome Menke Construction
WEST BEND FORD ............................................. 25 YEARS BUSINESS INVESTORS Kemco Tires
5 – 20 YEARS: $500 - $999 Landmark Realty
COLLISION CENTER OF WEST BEND .................... 15 YEARS Algona Publishing North Iowa Appliance Center
CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS & MORE ...................... 15 YEARS Aluma Oakcrest Funeral Services
DR. WILLIAM PHELPS, DDS ............................... 10 YEARS Buscher Bros. Implement & RV Center ProBuild
ENCORE SEMINAR ENTERPRISES ........................ 20 YEARS McMahon, Stowater, Lynch & Laddusaw Roethler Electric
HEARTEN BED & BREAKFAST.............................. 15 YEARS Ruhnke Bros. Full Service Gas & Auto Sales
2012
Counsel Office & Document
HYDROGEN ENGINE CENTER .............................. 10 YEARS Drs. Klepper & Trainer, ODS Schmitt Hardware
KAMPEN FOODS ................................................. 5 YEARS Erpelding Excavating Enterprise Standard Nutrition Services
MILLER LOGISTICS ............................................ 15 YEARS Farm & Home Services State Farm Insurance
BUSINESS INVESTORS
RUHNKE BROTHERS .......................................... 10 YEARS
SUSAN POST, CPA ............................................. 15 YEARS
WALLACE WATER .............................................. 15 YEARS
WESSELS CROSSROADS..................................... 10 YEARS
WEST BEND COMMUNITY LUMBER .................... 20 YEARS
PALO ALTO COUNTY
75 YEARS & OVER:
EMMETSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ........... 80 YEARS Kossuth/Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors and communities also contribute funding dollars to assist with our programs
GRAETTINGER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ............. 105 YEARS
HUGHES, BRENNAN, & WIRTZ, INC. ................ 85 YEARS
IOWA LAKES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE................. 75 YEARS
IOWA STATE BANK – RUTHVEN ......................... 85 YEARS PALO ALTO COUNTY
IOWA STATE EXTENSION SERVICE .................... 110 YEARS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
2012
50 – 70 YEARS:
RUTHVEN COMMUNITY CARE CENTER ............... 50 YEARS
BUSINESS INVESTORS
ST. PATRICK’S IRISH GIFT SHOP ........................ 50 YEARS
25 – 45 YEARS:
EMMETSBURG MACHINE & SUPPLY CO. ............. 35 YEARS
FARMERS NATIONAL CO.................................... 35 YEARS
JAMISON EQUIPMENT....................................... 35 YEARS
PIZZA RANCH OF EMMETSBURG ....................... 25 YEARS
BUSINESS INVESTORS Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corp. Northwest Telephone Cooperative Assoc.
SAXTON’S GREENHOUSE & FLOWERS ................ 35 YEARS
1000+ POET Biorefining Palo Alto County Health System
5 – 20 YEARS:
Ag Processing (AGP) Wells Fargo Bank Zimmerman Family Dental
ARCHITECTURAL ARTS NORTH ............................. 5 YEARS
COMMUNITY LUMBER SUPPLY .......................... 20 YEARS Alliant Energy West Iowa Bank BUSINESS INVESTORS
EMERALD OAKS ASSISTED LIVING ..................... 10 YEARS Community Lumber Supply Wild Rose Casino & Resort $250 - $499
EMMETSBURG COLLISION ................................. 10 YEARS Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative BUSINESS INVESTORS Ayrshire Farmers Mutual Telephone Company
FAMILY VISION STORE-DR. DEAN VER MULM..... 20 YEARS Iowa State Bank $500 - $999 Farmers State Bank
MALLARD MACHINING, INC. ............................. 15 YEARS Iowa Trust & Savings Bank Bank Plus Kiesling Associates, LLP
REDWOOD RESORT ........................................... 10 YEARS MidAmerican Energy K & W Electric Scott Telephone & Telecom
TREWIN ELECTRIC ............................................. 10 YEARS
12 January-June 2013 www.kossuth-edc.com Kossuth/Palo Alto County
Economic Development
Corporation
www.paloaltoiowa.com