Homegrown Talent Initiative

The Corridor's Homegrown Talent Initiative is a new program to encourage recent college graduates that grew up within the region to consider coming back, making the Corridor region their home and filling the high-quality jobs available at local businesses.

Golf Tournament Fundraiser

The Iowa Lakes Corridor will be hosting the inaugural Homegrown Talent Initiative Golf Tournament on August 5, 2024 at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course as a fundraiser for the program. Proceeds from the tournament will support grants of $6,000 ($1,500 per year over four years) to college graduates who were originally from the four-county region of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet returning to the area to work at a local employer. The first round of grants will be awarded in the Spring of 2025. More information and an application coming soon!

Get involved:

There are many ways to support this program! Register a team for the golf tournament, sponsor a course hole or a meal, provide door prizes, etc. Contact the Corridor for more details!

Register today!

MWI Components
US Senate
Midwest Mechanical
Doll Distributing
Godbersen Metal Works
Cannon Moss Brygger Architects

Thoughts on the Corridor

"Our experience with the Corridor has been one of genuine partnership. The team demonstrates true interest in community growth by asking questions to provoke thought..."

— Philip Ramstack, MWI Components

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor serves as an incredible conduit between business, economic development, and government. Their tireless advocacy of their region and member communities (and their diverse needs) helps to keep the Lakes region at the forefront and top-of-mind in my work."

— Kolby DeWitt, Outreach Director, US Senate

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has always been the go-to place to find ways of helping current business and future business. There isn’t much they will not do to help, including showing property or finding housing for new employees that come to work in the area. The staff at the Corridor is top notch and very caring."

— Donavon Wunschel, Midwestern Mechanical/Spencer City Council

Thoughts on the Corridor

"After our initial (BRE) meeting, Joanne and I started discussing challenges that we were facing and warehouse space was at the top of our issues. She asked me if we had interest in taking a look at the Daily Reporter building as they were wanting to possibly downsize their location. Jo did all of the leg work in arranging a meeting between Doll’s and the Daily Reporter. She even was present the day that we looked at the facility. Basically, without Jo, we could of possibly never been told that a solution to our warehouse needs was 4 blocks away! Jo checked in several times throughout the process and was always asking if there was anything else she could help with. We are very happy with our purchase and the growth opportunities that this additional space will provide us. We can’t thank you enough!"

—Jason Halverson, Doll Distributing

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor has been a valuable resource as we have gone from a startup company to now becoming an established local business, their entire team is very knowledgeable and great to work with."

—Jim Smith, Godbersen Metal Works

Thoughts on the Corridor

"This is a great homebase in Northwest Iowa with the ability to reach a number of communities. The community is positive about growth and values quality spaces. This is a great place to raise a family and be a part of a community that cares about people."

—Adam Van Gorp, CMBA Architects