Tag Archives: Iowa

CCDC’s Trickey Appointed to State Advisory Board

Bill Trickey

OSCEOLA, Iowa, April 27, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Clarke County Development Corporation's Executive Director, Bill Trickey, was recently appointed to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) State Advisory Board. The Iowa SBDC offers high quality assistance to current and future Iowa business owners. As a member, Trickey will influence decisions that benefit businesses and job creation throughout the state, discuss current business trends and play an important role in communicating the needs of the business community to Iowa lawmakers. So, what makes Trickey qualified for the job?

In 1979, Trickey received his MBA from Rockhurst College, four years after leaving the Air Force. He spent the next two decades honing his business management and sales process knowledge, ultimately joining the Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey program in 2002 as COO. In 2006, Trickey became the Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation. He commuted from Des Moines for a year, then eventually made Osceola his permanent residence.

As Trickey reflects on his first year at Clarke County Development Corporation, he remembers a friend saying "don't take that job in Osceola, you'll never get out of there."

He chuckles, "It was true, but I don't regret it." In nine years at Clarke County Development Corporation, Trickey has seen the city through an abundance of growth and achievements. Some of his most notable achievements include securing the Turkey Hatchery, Iowa Steel, the Salford plant and Astoria Industries (now Altec) as Osceola businesses.

Clarke County Development Corporation has won four celebrated awards under Trickey's leadership. In 2014, Osceola became the seventh community in the state to earn the Connected Community Certification. "We're always working to ensure our local businesses have every advantage possible," said Trickey during the award ceremony. To earn the certification, the city of Osceola ensured maximum access to broadband supported technologies. In the same year, the city was designated as a Skilled Iowa city and a Home Base Iowa Community. The Skilled Iowa Initiative helps link workers with essential skills to employers with open job positions. As a Home Base Iowa Community, Clarke County is committed to offering resources and incentives for veterans.

In 2013, Osceola won the IADG Silver Shovel Award, which honors outstanding leadership, innovation and achievement in business and community development.

Prior to being appointed to the State Advisory Board, Trickey served on the Creston SBDC Regional Board. He has also served as an Executive Committee member with the Southern Iowa Council of Governments, and is an adjunct professor at Southwestern Community College where he teaches a variety of business classes.

As a State Advisory Board member, Trickey plans to introduce new trends to Clarke County and expand Osceola's business community. "My goal is to establish Osceola as a place that fosters startups and helps young companies grow and flourish," says Trickey. With more than 30 years of experience and over a decade of growing Iowa commerce, Clarke County's Executive Director remains passionate and optimistic about the future of Iowa businesses, especially their future in Osceola.

More information: http://ClarkeCountyIowa.com/.

*Photo Caption: William (Bill) Trickey, Executive Director for Clarke County Development Corporation.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/ccdc-s-trickey-appointed-to-state-advisory-board-2016-0427-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Clarke County Development Corporation :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Clarke Schools’ Career Academy Focuses Students on Future Success

Joe Greving

OSCEOLA, Iowa, Dec. 18, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Clarke Community Schools in Osceola, Iowa is developing a Career Academy that will provide a specialized course pathway for career-minded students. Aligned with Governor Branstad's new Future Ready Iowa initiative, this program is the genesis of Clarke's new curriculum director Jean Bahls and Bill Trickey of Clarke County Development Corporation. In recent weeks, the team kicked off meetings with local industry leaders to get their input on this unique education program.

The Career Academy will collaborate with local businesses to help develop a resource pool of young people in our community who will have the skills and knowledge necessary to be career-ready right out of high school. By establishing a career pathway early on, the Career Academy hopes to help lay out a sequence of courses and real-world experiences for kids as early as 8th grade, to get them ready to begin a career and not just get a "job" right out of school.

Through a curriculum that combines classroom time with immersion on the job site, students can get a true feel of all the different factors that go into keeping a business thriving. Industry experiences can be gained through guest speakers, internships, job shadowing or simply touring the facility, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and see first-hand the skills needed to be successful in a variety of career paths.

"I think the idea is fantastic. This program will allow for real-life scenarios to demonstrate the importance of learning concepts that incorporate math, physics and even the arts," said Joe Greving of Countryside Tank Company in Osceola. "I look at a picture of one of our trailers and think about all the components that went into making it. I would use that as an example for real life application to show them why it's important they're learning what they're learning in school and I think they'll maybe become better students because of it."

During her recent town hall meeting, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds spoke about the importance of Future Ready Iowa.

"An initiative that we just launched a few weeks ago is 'Future Ready Iowa,' and it's a collaborative effort with schools, community colleges and business and industry to create job-training programs," she said. "We really want to make it a seamless pipeline, that we can work with students so they can see the various jobs available in communities all across the state of Iowa, what each career pathway looks like, the skills needed for each, and then align them with the local businesses that are ready to hire them immediately."

Clarke Community Schools hopes to launch their Career Academy by the 2017-18 school year. They will shape the curriculum to ensure young people are able to integrate their core classes such as math and science with real-world skills needed to be successful in a long-term career.

"A component, for sure, would be a class on leadership and other 'soft' skills such as communication, personal habits and interpersonal proficiencies that they may not necessarily know," said Jean Bahls at her recent meeting with Countryside Tank Company. "We want to give them usable skills while they're still in high school, help them earn training certificates, college credits, whatever is needed to take them down their particular pathway. We want to help them see that there are great opportunities available and they don't automatically have to go to a four-year college to have a good career, although some pathways may require that. There are positive role models in their own community who can show them what is needed in the industry for they have an interest and an aptitude for, and we want to facilitate that partnership."

For more information, contact Jean Bahls, Curriculum Director, Clarke Community Schools, 800 N Jackson Street, Osceola, IA 50213; phone: 641-342-6505

Or contact Bill Trickey, Executive Director, Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 East Washington Osceola, IA 50213; phone: 641-342-2944, Fax: 641-342-6352, WEB: http://ClarkeCountyIowa.com/ or email: info@clarkecountyiowa.com

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1218-career-acadamy-300dpi.jpg

*PHOTO Caption: Joe Greving of Countryside Tank Companies talks about the manufacturing processes students would be exposed to through the Career Academy.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/clarke-schools-career-academy-focuses-students-on-future-success-2015-1218-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Clarke Community Schools :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Manufacturing Impact Recognized by State and Local Officials

Governor Terry Branstad

OSCEOLA, Iowa, Oct. 12, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- With a visit to Altec, Inc. in Osceola, Iowa last month, Governor Terry Branstad doubled up the perception of positive manufacturing growth throughout Southern Iowa. Quickly following up an agribusiness / manufacturing visit to the community from Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, the feeling in Osceola and surrounding communities is recent manufacturing growth is making a significant impact.

"While the market may soft right now, it's nice to see companies creating jobs and maintaining a level of work that can support a growing community like Osceola." Branstad said during a recent visit to Altec, Inc.

Not only was October 2nd National Manufacturer's day, but Osceola, Iowa's Mayor, Fred Diehl took the recognition one step further to proclaim the entire month of October as Manufacturers' Month throughout the City.

Diehl stated, "Manufacturing jobs provide Osceola and Clarke County, Iowa with a payroll of over $51 Million in annual wages. We certainly want to recognize the importance of our manufacturing community."

During The Governor's visit to Altec, Branstad took the time to tour the recently updated plant and spend time discussing details of the company, it's growth throughout it's 86 year history, and the impact their presence in Osceola and Southern Iowa has had.

"One of the unique challenges the team had," explained Mark Wegel, Altec's Director of Corporate Communications, "Was restructuring the management staff and workforce from the previous company to increase efficiencies and profitability under Altec's management to meet our production goals."

From the buyout in January of 2014 to present day, the manufacturing output from the Osceola's Altec facility has grown from a couple dozen fiberglass body components per month to over 100 units in recent months. This increase in volume is directly attributed to the strategies the new Altec management team created and the aggressive recruiting and candidate evaluations that have taken place over the last year.

"Our business is growing so fast that they have to try to get the right numbers in to meet the demand we've seen in recent months." Wegel continued. "With the number of manufacturing programs available locally, we see this kind of growth potential not slowing down soon."

Bill Trickey from The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) also brought information to the table for the Governor and the Altec team, illustrating an aggressive trade education program being developed through the CCDC, Clarke Community Schools, and local businesses.

"We're aware of the demand for additional workforce, and who better to train for these jobs, than local students and the community surrounding these companies? We're making sure the students are aware of the opportunities for work in Clarke County and Osceola and that a steady supply of young people are prepared for these important positions." Trickey stated.

Branstad went on to provide insight on additional programs available through Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Department of Economic Development for manufacturing trade training programs and recruiting throughout the state.

Based on recent statistics from Iowa Workforce Development, the average annual manufacturing wage in Osceola is $46,483, compared to the County average of $34,000. The growth specific to this sector is partially attributed to new companies entering the community like Altec and others.

As manufacturing throughout Clarke County and Osceola continues to grow, the opportunities for job growth as well as increases in income for the community look abundant. Additional jobs and increases are projected to grow at a steady rate throughout Southern Iowa making a significant impact on the entire area.

As Branstad closed the meeting, he went on to say, "We're excited to see companies like Altec lay foundation in our state. We're always looking for great partnerships to help grow our communities and help future generations sustain Iowa's way of life."

For more information on Altec, contact Carl Christiansen, 1001 Furnas Drive, Osceola, IA 50213, phone: 641-342-3456. Website: http://www.altec.com/.

Image (web): Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1012-Branstad-500x375.jpg

Image caption: Governor Terry Branstad meets with staff at Altec, Inc. to discusses the impact manufacturing has had in Iowa and throughout the Midwest.

Twitter: @AltecInc #iowajobs

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/manufacturing-impact-recognized-by-state-and-local-officials-2015-1012-04.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Altec Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Iowa Ag Sec. Northey Sees Business Standing Strong Through Soft Ag Market

IA Ag Secretary Northey

OSCEOLA, Iowa, Sept. 2, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey made a stop at Salford USA in Osceola, Iowa Wednesday afternoon. Taking time from his busy schedule, Secretary Northey wanted to make sure he continued his discussions with agribusiness professionals and hear, firsthand, the issues they face during the downturn in the Ag market.

During his 2-hour visit and tour, Northey had conversations with Operations Manager, Robert (Tom) Kober, Plant Manager, Randy Beckett, as well as Clarke County Development Corporation's (CCDC) Executive Director, Bill Trickey. Much of the dialogue was focused on the volatility of today's Ag environment and its affect on manufacturing and the local economy, as well as Salford's positive impact on Osceola's economy and growing workforce.

When asked about the recent market downturn and how he saw it affecting businesses, Northey said, "There are a lot of people still buying, maybe repairing used equipment, but it's not like everyone's shutting down. I've talked to people that have said 'I've been conservative, paid stuff down, and now's the time to trade or upgrade equipment.'"

For Salford, while the softer market has been noticeable, the impact hasn't been as bad. Through strategic planning and seasonal sales preparations, Kober assured Northey that numbers were looking good, even in the down cycle, which means they'd positioned themselves to benefit even more when the market rebounds.

"This will be a different market," Kober stated, "Salford brings something so different to the game - even with additional sales staffing - we've positioned ourselves where we can benefit - and be a benefit - throughout these changes."

Canadian-owned Salford Manufacturing moved their USA operations to Osceola in 2007 and soon after showed the company's focus on integrity, quality, and support of their employees was a priority. Bill Trickey explained, "CCDC gave them our Board of Director's award because, even during the downturn, they kept their employees on - cleaning, painting, and what-not. And when things picked up, instead of hiring new guys, they gave 'em overtime and helped make the changes needed to make ends meet. That's why they're one of our favorites."

Salford USA staffs 40-45 tradesmen and manufacturing specialists out of Osceola, Iowa. Their primary product is their I-Series secondary tillage products, including field cultivators, fertilizer applicators, coulters, and other field production attachments. Their company's foundation in Ag manufacturing, along with their founder's "Don't touch it unless we can make it better" attitude positions them perfectly for rapid growth and impact in a highly competitive U.S. Ag Manufacturing market.

"One thing that separates us from {the others} is the quality and strength of our equipment," said Randy Beckett, Plant Manager, "If it never breaks, and you can run it for ten years, you have something that's pretty valuable. And that's something farmers understand."

For more information on Salford USA, contact Robert (Tom) Kober, Operations Manager, Salford, Inc., 925 Furnas Drive, Osceola, IA 50213. Phone: 641-432-6036, email: tom.kober@salfordmachine.com, web: http://www.SalfordMachine.com/.

* PHOTOS for media:

1) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0902-Salford082615-A-300dpi.jpg

Photo Caption: IA Ag Secretary Northey had met with Salford USA's Operations Manager, Robert (Tom) Kober, Plant Manager, Randy Beckett, as well as Clarke County Development Corporation's (CCDC) Executive Director, Bill Trickey.

2) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0902-Salford082615-B-300dpi.jpg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/iowa-ag-sec-northey-sees-business-standing-strong-through-soft-ag-market-2015-0902-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Salford USA :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Iowa-Based Clothing Company Bassackwards Tees Expands its Lineup

clothing company

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 17, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Bassackwards Tees(TM), a Des Moines based clothing company, has announced that due to increasing customer demand, they have just released an additional four state T-shirts to their lineup, which include Illinois, West Virginia, Arkansas and Georgia. The company already offers their unique, increasingly popular and "crazy soft" shirts for eight U.S. states bringing the total now to twelve states overall.

According to their website - www.bassackwardstees.com - customers can send email requests for new states to be added to their list.

What started out as somewhat of a local following in Iowa has now grown to include surrounding states, including what have quickly become their best sellers; the states of Florida, Texas, New York, and California.

Owner, Bret Baldwin states that, "We like the fact that our shirts are putting a smile on people's face and making them happy, but there's a bigger purpose to our little business than just selling cool T-shirts. Since the 2012 diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for our two little nephews, our family has endured the roller-coaster of emotions, the financial burden of medical needs and treatment, and the stark reality of what the future holds for our two little guys and thousands of other little boys around the world."

He adds, "Because of our first-hand and personal experience with this terrible disease in our own family we have committed to donating a minimum of 10 percent of all profits to help find a cure for DMD."

The company intends to continue adding additional states according to demand until all 50 U.S. states are available and also has plans to offer limited addition shirts that will follow the same "bassackwards" theme.

To learn more visit: http://www.bassackwardstees.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/bassackwardstees .

About Bassackwards Tees:

Bassackwards Tees is a locally owned and operated clothing company based in Des Moines, Iowa that designs and sells a unique style of men's and women's T-shirts based on U.S. states. The company's clothing is only available online and is expanding their lineup of states based off of customer demand.

Twitter: @bassackwardstee

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0817-baclothing-300dpi.jpg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/iowa-based-clothing-company-bassackwards-tees-expands-its-lineup-2015-0817-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Bassackwards Tees :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Iowa-Based Lattice Communications Sells Assets and Three Services Divisions

Bruce Leventhal

FAIRFAX, Iowa, Aug. 6, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Lattice Communications, the nation's largest stocking dealer of new and refurbished telecommunications shelters, cabinets, generators, and towers, sold its assets and its three services divisions - towers, fiber optics, and telecom construction - for an undisclosed amount on July 8, 2015.

With more than 20 locations across the country, Lattice Communications provided products and services to mid-market, top-tier telecom companies for 11 years. In 2012, after staff numbers doubled and revenues tripled in a short period of time, Lattice Communications completed an expansion project to support future development.

The company was consistently recognized for its impressive growth, with top-line revenues nearing $20 million. In 2013, Lattice Communications was named by the Corridor Business Journal as the No. 1 Fastest-Growing Company in eastern Iowa, with 325 percent revenue growth from 2010 to 2012. The company was also recognized in 2012 by the Corridor Business Journal as eastern Iowa's No. 5 Fastest-Growing Company, with 180 percent revenue growth from 2009 to 2011. Bruce Leventhal, CEO and president of Lattice Communications, was also recognized as one of eastern Iowa's top entrepreneurs.

As an entrepreneurial company, Lattice Communications' progression came as a result of listening to customers' needs, and providing solutions to address increasing bandwidth requirements in the telecommunications industry, along with improving reliability and security.

Lattice Communications was most recently recognized in October 2014 as a successful homegrown business in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, metropolitan area by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

"Growing Lattice Communications from a handful of employees to a staff of more than 70, along with tremendous year-over-year revenue increases, was a rewarding experiencing for everyone involved," says Bruce Leventhal, CEO and president of Lattice Communications. Leventhal looks forward to new challenges as he consults with private equity firms and start-up to mid-market enterprises, improving their business development processes and strategies to fully monetize products and services.

About Lattice Communications:

Lattice Communications provides infrastructure to Tier One telecom companies that enables cellular, data, internet, and cable services to be delivered to commercial, utility, industrial, and residential customers. The three services divisions - towers, fiber optics, and telecom construction - are uncompromised in providing the nation's best in services solutions to its clients. Lattice Communications is the largest stocking dealer of new and refurbished telecommunications shelters, cabinets, generators, and towers nationally.

Lattice Communications, 98 West Cemetery Road, Fairfax, IA 52228.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bruce Leventhal
319-270-5567
bruce@coredevelopgroup.com

For more information on Mr. Leventhal, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceleventhal

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/iowa-based-lattice-communications-sells-assets-and-three-services-divisions-2015-0806-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Lattice Communications :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Clarke County Labor Study Reveals Higher Income Potential

manufacturing jobs

OSCEOLA, Iowa, Aug. 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) recently released its "Scorecard on Jobs and Compensation Update for 2004 to 2014." The report shows, over a the last decade, the average income level for manufacturing jobs in Clarke County consistently outpaced average county compensation levels.

Even through the economic downturns seen in 2007, 2008 and later, salary levels in the manufacturing sector increased by $15,000 to $46,000 whereas average County income levels progressed slower with increases of $9,000 to $34,000.

This study reveals, through concerted efforts from the CCDC and local business leadership, job sustainability, specifically in manufacturing, helped support the community through our recent recession and shows to be a staple for a stronger economic future.

Bill Trickey, CEO of Clarke County Development Corporation, said, "We knew Clarke County and Osceola had great potential for building a sustainable manufacturing base in southern Iowa. With the unique assets our county provides, from transportation to land and infrastructure access, businesses can be secure in offering compensation that is competitive with much larger areas."

Research has shown, compensation levels for Clarke County compared to other similarly sized communities are as much as 8 percent to 10 percent higher. When averaging manufacturing jobs within the county, county-wide payroll levels for those jobs, as well as the average earnings within that county, Clarke surpasses surrounding county rates at $22.32 per hour per job whereas Jasper, Union, and Madison counties fall short at $20 or less.

"While other communities need to rely heavily on ag, retail, and other sectors for their income base, Clarke County is able to take advantage of our unique location and resources to help manufacturing really grow here," Trickey Said.

Based on these reports, if future compensation rates stay consistent with the last decade, manufacturing employment and earning potentials will continue to surge in Clarke County. As the National economy continues to recover, the steady growth and compensation potential for Clarke County and Osceola are positioned to lead the state across all economic recovery and growth charts.

Since 1969, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has worked with local government and businesses, recruiting and establishing new industry and business for the area to augment employment and growth opportunities for the residents of Clarke County and Osceola, Iowa.

More information: http://ClarkeCountyIowa.com/.

For more information, contact:
Bill Trickey, CEO, at 641-342-2944, or email: info@clarkecountyiowa.com.

Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 East Washington, Osceola, IA 50213.

* View report graph: http://i2.wp.com/clarkecountylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/manufacturing-compensation-income-rates-clarke-county-iowa.jpg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/clarke-county-labor-study-reveals-higher-income-potential-2015-0804-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Clarke County Development Corporation :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Planning for the Future, Osceola Wastewater Plant, City Move On Renovations

Ty Wheeler

OSCEOLA, Iowa, July 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A city's growth and continued development relies on up-to-date, effective wastewater treatment and regulation, according to the City of Osceola, Iowa. This is always a priority for city administrators, managers, and their employees. How they manage the updates and costs associated with them is often a reflection of the care and commitment they have to residents and businesses.

The City of Osceola's current wastewater plant, designed and built in the late 1970's, was showing the wear of community growth and time by the early 2000's. So, in 2003, the plant underwent significant updates to sustain much needed services and help with the growth we see today. These updates addressed issues like corrosion of lines, concrete and infrastructure, volume limitations, as well as state and federal regulation updates.

"That's pretty standard," said Donnie McCuddin, Superintendent of the city's wastewater plant. "In an aggressive atmosphere like ours, a wastewater plant will need upgrades about every 15 to 20 years."

Now, 12 years after the 2003 renovations, the City and the Water Treatment Plant have embarked on plans for updating to meet the most recent demand and Osceola's future growth, as well as updated DNR standards required by the next certification deadline.

"Clean water regulations are being ramped up and they're affecting everyone's permits," McCuddin stated. "They're reviewing issues at big plants, handling of a million gallons of wastewater or more, first. Osceola is just below that benchmark, so we wanted to start now, making sure we were proactive in our management and upkeep of the plant."

An estimated $12 million will be needed to achieve the new wastewater plant renovation project. At an increase of 20 percent, this will affect rates for Osceola residents and businesses across the board. But, in an effort to lighten the burden, the city developed a plan to spread the rate increase out in 5 percent increments over the next few years. This computes to an annual increase of approximately 40 cents for average users. Businesses and residents alike will benefit from this slow distribution of costs over having the entire increase applied at once.

According to Ty Wheeler, Osceola's City Administrator, "While other similar-sized cities have applied the renovation update costs in a single rate increase - some as much as 65 percent - that just didn't bode well with us. So spreading the rate out over the next few years will make it easier on our residents as well as keep the cost of doing business in Osceola low."

DNR inspections are expected to take place at the Osceola plant within the next 12 to 18 months. If the necessary updates and repairs to the plant aren't made, Osceola could have their certification held or be fined until the issues are resolved.

"We've seen this on the horizon for almost five years, now. We can either plan now or pay later," said McCuddin. "They (DNR) appreciate the efforts that we are making. It happens everywhere. It's just something that needs to be done. And we wanted to do it right, for the plant, for our residents and businesses, as well as the future of Osceola."

Renovations to the wastewater plant will be complete, upgrading or completely replacing the current plant, by 2020. While some renovations have already started, the wastewater plant and the city will continue their sustainability and feasibility study, finishing by 2017. By 2019 a final wastewater plant design will be presented.

For more information on Osceola City, visit: http://www.osceolaia.govoffice2.com/ .

For more information on Clarke County, visit: http://ClarkeCountyLife.com/ .

* Photo (Web): Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0720-ty-wheeler-500x375.jpg

* Photo Caption: Ty Wheeler, Osceola City Administrator.

For more information, contact:
Ty Wheeler, Osceola City Administrator
15 North Fillmore, Osceola, IA 50213
Phone: (641) 342-2377
FAX: (641) 342-4005
e-mail: oscadmin@iowatelecom.com

Media Contact:
Andrew B. Clark
SPOKE Communications, LLC
5400 SE 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320
phone: 515-257-6584
e-mail: andrew@spokecom.com

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/planning-for-the-future-osceola-wastewater-plant-city-move-on-renovations-2015-0721-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE City of Osceola :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.