Background: Until recently, there has been little evidence of cross-county and cross-discipline collaboration in Central Iowa for the purposes of economic development. The value of self-reliance and a fierce pride in local communities taking action to face challenges had generally served the area well for many years. However, the closing of the Maytag Corporation facilities in Newton in 2006 and 2007 made the need for regional collaboration evident to leaders and gave rise to this regional strategic initiative known as the Iowa Innovation Gateway.
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a seven-county region in Central Iowa the first in the nation “Regional Innovation Grant” in the amount of $250,000 to create a strategic regional innovation plan. The plan was completed in June 2008. Implementation of the plan is being facilitated in partnership with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and guided by Executive Director, Denise Rathman and a 21 member Executive Board representing leaders in business, education, workforce development and economic development.
Geography of Region: Story, Marshall, Tama, Jasper, Poweshiek, Marion, and Mahaska Counties.
Mission of Initiative: To form a dynamic, vibrant network that works collaboratively to create a globally competitive region in Central Iowa, and beyond.
Regional Innovation Plan Goals:
1. Analyze workforce supply and demand
2. Build data-driven partnerships to match workforce supply and demand
3. Provide infrastructure to foster sustainable communities
4. Create a culture of entrepreneurism
2010/11 Focus:
- Partner with ABI to develop statewide plan for deployment of NAM Skills Certification System
- Work with Businesses, Education, and Workforce partners to identify and seek grant funding to support the statewide deployment of NAM Skills Certification System
- Sponsor Export Workshop for IIG regional businesses
- Collect industry data through existing business calls within target industry sectors by utilizing Synchronist
- Increase regional participation in Business Horizons
- Continue expansion of MyEntre.Net services to entire region
- Provide technical assistance to other regions to promote regional economic zones in Iowa
Funding Partners (to date): U.S. Department of Labor, Iowa Workforce Development, Fisher Division of Emerson Electric, Des Moines Area Community College, CIRAS/MEP, Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy, Poweshiek County, Marion County, Marshall County, Jasper County, Tama County, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Institute.
Connect: For frequent updates on our work and success of the Iowa Innovation Gateway, join the network on www.LinkedIn.com. We have created an Iowa Innovation Gateway group to keep our network engaged and informed. The group now has over 300 members. If you are not a member of the group, please join us today.
