Tag Archives: Osceola Business

Iowa Photographer Andrew B. Clark Honored with Four International Accolades in Prestigious Exposure One Awards

OSCEOLA, Iowa, April 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Photographer Andrew B. Clark has been recognized on the global stage with four honors in the 2025 One Shot Photo Contest from the Exposure One Awards, a distinguished international competition dedicated exclusively to black-and-white photography.

Image caption: “Lily Glow (John’s Lily)” – Silver Award Winning Nature Photograph by Andrew B. Clark.

With over 35 years behind the lens, Clark’s unique eye and passion for storytelling through image making earned him top awards in three categories:

Silver Award, Non-Professional, Nature: “Lily Glow (John’s Lily)”
View Photo – https://exposureoneawards.com/entry/lily-glow
People’s Vote Award & Honorable Mention, Non-Professional, Photojournalism: “DC Conversation”
View Photo – https://exposureoneawards.com/entry/dc-conversation
Honorable Mention, Non-Professional, Street: “Cast Away and Fly”
View Photo – https://exposureoneawards.com/entry/cast-away-and-fly

“To be recognized by such a prestigious organization is a powerful affirmation of my lifelong love for photography,” said Clark. “Black and white imagery allows me to distill a story down to its emotional core, and I’m honored that my work resonated with both the judges and the public.”

Image caption: “DC Conversation” Two-time Award-Winning Street Photograph by Andrew B. Clark.

The Exposure One Awards are renowned for celebrating the timeless artistry of monochrome photography. Judged by a world-class panel of curators, editors, and creative leaders from institutions including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Magnum Photos, Leica Gallery LA, and Condé Nast, the competition offers both professionals and emerging voices a chance to shine.

Clark’s profile and winning works can be viewed at: https://exposureoneawards.com/artists/andrew-clark

For more about the Exposure One Awards and the One Shot Photo Contest, visit exposureoneawards.com or follow them on Instagram at @exposureoneawards.

About Andrew Clark:

Andrew B. Clark is a central Iowa–based photographer with more than three decades of experience in visual storytelling. His photo work spans fine art, street photography, and photojournalism, capturing deeply human moments with quiet fascination. More of his work can be found at https://abclark.com/ and on Instagram at @the_abclark_photo (https://www.instagram.com/the_abclark_photo).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew B. Clark
abc@abclark.com
www.abclark.com
Instagram: @the_abclark_photo

NEWS SOURCE: Photographer Andrew B. Clark

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Photographer Andrew B. Clark), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/iowa-photographer-andrew-b-clark-honored-with-four-international-accolades-in-prestigious-exposure-one-awards/

Osceola, Iowa’s Housing Boom: Working to Meet All Levels of Housing Needs

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- At the beginning of the year, another call into the Clarke County Development Corporation's (CCDC) offices rang, telling Executive Director, Bill Trickey, the Osceola Building Incentive Program is still connecting with home builders and developers. Since its inception in early 2019, the lot program, originally referred to as the "Free Land Program," has resulted in more than a half dozen lots exchanged with developers and home builders in lieu of standard homeowner tax abatements.

The latest call, from husband-and-wife team Andrew and Kaitlyn Harvey of Eighth + Harlow Design and Build out of the Des Moines metro area, saw two more homes on the list of Osceola housing developments from that program, adding to a housing boom across the area that addresses a wide range of income levels.

Kaitlyn Harvey, also a CENTURY 21 Signature Real Estate agent, spoke with the Development Corporation about the housing need to help their customer who was being transferred to Osceola, Iowa for a new job.

"We found about the {incentive} program through extended family when discussing our client's relocation needs," said Harvey. "Their timeframe was a bit more flexible, and the location of the lot fit the family's interests, so why not take advantage of the financing opportunity?"

Their lot, located at 401 Putter Ridge Place in the Country Club Estates area, was reasonably priced, considering its location. Where competing lots in the area were going between $120,000 and $180,000, the Harveys and their clients saw the Putter Ridge Place decision as a "no-brainer" and used the Osceola Building Incentive Program lot price as equity for the development of their 1,600 sq. ft. home. Eighth + Harlow Design and Build also utilized the investment opportunity to purchase the neighboring lot to build a 1,300 sq. ft. spec home.

"Our clients had a budget they needed to stick to, and the program gave us the flexibility to finish out some higher-end detail work and the basement before they permanently moved to the area," said Harvey.

As Kailyn discussed the details of the two homes, both that will fall in the $290,00 to $400,000 price range as new listings, she estimated development of both homes to be complete by August of 2024.

The two new developments in the County Club Estates area added to a housing boom Osceola has been experiencing over the recent 18-24 months.

More than two years ago, local manufacturers communicated their need for workforce housing to maintain employment and help grow their base. To answer that call, a new, 122-unit development will be coming online in the next 30- to 60-days. Another, recently finished, 18-unit condominium off South Gustin was fully leased by November of 2023. As part of the workforce housing tax credit program, Osceola developer, Advanced Homes 360, has delivered 4 new, single-family homes throughout the city and are considering additional plans.

To add to the much-needed workforce housing, mid-level and executive homes continue to go up off Clay, behind Revelton Distillery and at the picturesque Arbor Valley Lake. And, with the City of Osceola and Clarke Community Schools on their second trades housing development project of the school year, it makes more than 160 new front doors and 160 new opportunities across a wide range of income levels hitting the local housing market.

"This is exciting news for our entire community," said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. "As we continue to build homes at all levels, Osceola and Clarke County should see an influx of new, dedicated community members adding new business and new growth opportunities across the area."

MORE INFORMATION:

If you have questions about the Osceola Building Incentive Program or any of the developments mentioned in this feature, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Clarke County Development Corporation at 115 E Washington Street, P.O. Box 426, Osceola, IA 50213, phone: 641-342-2944, email: info@clarkecountyiowa.com

Learn more at: https://clarkecountylife.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:

Andrew B. Clark - ClarkeCountyLife

SPOKE Communications, LLC, 5400 SE 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320

phone: 515-257-6584, email: andrew@spokecom.com

At the beginning of the year, another call into the Clarke County Development Corporation's (CCDC) offices rang, telling Executive Director, Bill Trickey, the Osceola Building Incentive Program is still connecting with home builders and developers. Since its inception in early 2019, the lot program, originally referred to as the "Free Land Program," has resulted in more than a half dozen lots exchanged with developers and home builders in lieu of standard homeowner tax abatements.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Rural Iowa Manufacturing Jobs Surplus Means Big Opportunities

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- It's been a year since the manufacturing industry was hit by the COVID-19 crisis forcing businesses to get creative to manage their workforce assets. In April of 2020, the rural Clarke County, Iowa's unemployment rate jumped from 3.4% to 11.8%, and more than 100,000 workers across the state were displaced, laid off, or simply let go when businesses had to close their doors, says Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).

Now COVID restrictions have begun to lift and the economy is picking up again, especially for manufacturers in Osceola, Iowa. Unfortunately, many businesses are still struggling in their search for the right candidates to fill key positions.

"We've got 4,700 non-farm jobs and our major manufacturers continue to grow and add staff," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation. "Now is a great time to find a job in Clarke County."

Major Clarke County employers have a variety of positions available and are casting a wide net to entice the right candidates to the region. Full of lucrative job opportunities, Osceola boasts easy access from Des Moines, Indianola, Norwalk, St. Mary's, Martensdale and many other South-Central Iowa and Northern Missouri cities via I-35 and highways 34 and 92.

"We're certainly in a position where we have more jobs than people to fill them, so we're recruiting from across the state to find the right fit," said Susan Miller, Human Resources Recruiter for the Altec body plant. "While our pay is more than competitive with most Des Moines metro employers, and our benefits package is outstanding, we've found that it's our unique company culture that really makes working here desirable."

In an effort to fill essential manufacturing positions, companies are finding new incentives to draw in applicants, encourage referrals from current employees, and reward retention among the staff. For example, The Paul Mueller Company, manufacturers of stainless steel, food-grade refrigeration and transportation tanks, offers an incremental referral bonus as well as new employee sign-on bonuses awarded at ninety days, six months, and one year.

Altec body plant helps employees attain Bachelor or Masters degrees in the industry by funding online courses through The University of Alabama and offers wellness benefits to employees and their spouses for completing fun and easy challenges. And Iowa Steel gives their regional sales team the opportunity to work from home or remotely as they travel the country to meet with customers, offering an excellent base salary as well as commission.

"We're in the process of growing, locally and nationwide. On top of filling regional sales positions around the country, we're also adding to our Osceola facility in the fall of 2021 and hiring more skilled labor," said Kate Patton, Human Resources Director at Iowa Steel. "Clarke County is full of employers offering diverse opportunities with competitive pay and an excellent work-life balance. We're just looking for the right applicants."

While unemployment rates are relatively low, there is still a lot of work available in rural Iowa, especially in Clarke County. Employers are finding that top pay and benefits aren't the only tools needed to draw in a workforce.

"Money isn't the most important thing people are looking for these days. People are looking at our culture, and finding a place they enjoy coming to every day, and positioning their family to do more than just make ends meet," said Lauren Robins, Human Resources Generalist II for Paul Mueller Company. "On-site training, and a safe and healthy work environment are all important to prospective employees. Most of all they want to know that they're valued and able to be productive and growing for years to come."

Clarke County's manufacturing industry has advantages not found in bigger cities across the state. Factors like job security, educational incentives, and unique, diverse opportunities for advancement are all part of what draws in a workforce that drives the success of the entire community.

For more information about the availability of jobs mentioned in this press release, feel free to reach to the Human Resources department at each company:

- Altec Osceola Body Plant, HR Recruiter, Susan Miller, 641-223-8807, email: susan.miller@altec.com

- Iowa Steel Human Resources Director, Kate Patton, 641-342-2134, email: kpatton@countrysidetank.com

- Paul Mueller Company, Lauren Robins, Human Resources Generalist II, 641-342-5521, email: lrobins@paulmueller.com.

If you'd like to learn more about the manufacturing industry and development opportunities available in Clarke County, Iowa, please reach out to Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation, at 641-414-1884 or email: info@clarkedev.com.

It's been a year since the manufacturing industry was hit by the COVID-19 crisis forcing businesses to get creative to manage their workforce assets. In April of 2020, the rural Clarke County, Iowa's unemployment rate jumped from 3.4% to 11.8%, and more than 100,000 workers across the state were displaced, laid off, or simply let go when businesses had to close their doors, says Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Addressing Post-COVID Shipping Shock – How One Iowa Manufacturer Proved U.S. Sourced Materials Provide Advantages in Economy and Efficiency

OSCEOLA, Iowa, /ScoopCloud/ -- Miller Products Company in Osceola Iowa, supplier of stock pins and fasteners as well as precision and Swiss CNC machined parts, has seen a significant increase in the demand for quick-turn and custom machining due to the post-COVID shipping challenges.

One year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit supply chains with port shutdowns, the impact continues to ripple from China through India and around the world. Many manufacturers are still struggling to source parts and materials for their U.S.-based operations. Shortages from overseas as well as price hikes and delays are wreaking havoc with U.S. manufacturing workflows and operational budgets.

With clients reporting overseas pricing increasing three-fold and more, the cost to procure stock pieces from these ports is no longer economical. Production houses, like Miller, who source materials predominantly from the United States are seeing a different kind of post-COVID shock. In the past three weeks, Kerry Richardson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Miller, has booked a handful of new orders based on shipping delays and costs alone.

"We had one client tell us their India supplier pushed their orders back more than three months," said Richardson. "That's a supply chain disaster."

According to a January 2021 feature in The Washington Post (*note 1), "The cost of shipping a container of goods has risen by 80 percent since early November {2020} and has nearly tripled over the past year..." These statistics are based on research provided through the Freightos Basic Index (*note 2).

Miller's Midwest location and proximity to interstate, highway, and rail lines gives them a boost in supply chain efficiency other manufacturing companies lack.

"The bulk of our materials are shipped in daily from all over the U.S.," said Richardson. "From steel out of Chicago to aluminum and plastic out of Phoenix and Wisconsin, it's all accessible and delivered within days from a simple call."

With an extensive warehouse, Miller's stock pins and fasteners, used by a variety of manufacturing operations from agriculture to construction, military contractors, and more, can be ordered and shipped within the U.S. as quickly as four weeks. Custom manufactured parts from their precision CNC and Swiss CNC machines can often be turned within a few weeks as well. Compared to three or four month delays from overseas, this makes all the difference for their customers' operational efficiency.

"After more than 80 years in the industry, through ups and downs, including this pandemic, we know how to make sure our products are cost effective and accessible," said Richardson.

If you have questions about the Miller Products line of stock pins and fasteners or would like to discuss custom, precision, or Swiss CNC machined parts, please reach out to Kerry Richardson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Miller Products Company at 1-800-245-7034, or email sales@millerproductsco.com.

Learn more at: https://www.millerproductsco.com/

Notes:

1 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/01/24/pandemic-shipping-economy/

2 - https://fbx.freightos.com/

About Miller Products Company:

Established in 1936, Miller Products Company is an Osceola, Iowa-based supplier of quality manufactured products including single spindle/CNC, and multi spindle screw machined parts, stock non-threaded pins and fasteners, including a wide variety of lock pins, hitch pins, bent pins, and tension lock hitch pins that are sold throughout the U.S. and international manufacturing markets.

Miller Products Company in Osceola Iowa, supplier of stock pins and fasteners as well as precision and Swiss CNC machined parts, has seen a significant increase in the demand for quick-turn and custom machining due to the post-COVID shipping challenges.

Related link: https://www.millerproductsco.com/

South Central Iowa Community Steps Up to Support Senior Care Center

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Since the WHO announced the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic status in early March, long-term care facilities have been on the front lines of the health and safety battle, notes the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC). With senior citizens being some of the most "at risk" from the virus, the need for protective gear - from essential N95 hospital-grade face-masks to personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves and gowns - have been in high demand and access has been limited. That's where the manufacturing community in Clarke County and Osceola, Iowa stepped up.

Earlier in the week, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) started working with the staff at Southern Hills Specialty Care facility in Osceola to procure additional essential supplies to help with the safety and protection of their 89 senior residents. Asking for donations or additional support from the manufacturing industry, Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the CCDC and Destiny Boeve, Administrator for Southern Hills were able to collect a generous supply of masks as well as some other essential items.

Altec's Osceola body plant was instrumental in donations, providing 3,000 latex gloves for the facility. And SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc, donated a surplus of high-grade masks and gloves as soon as the call was made.

"Having been part of the Osceola and Clarke County community for decades, we simply wanted to help wherever we could," said Darren Swolley, General Manager at SIMCO. "These are the times when community means more than ever."

Other local businesses, including Cathy's Auto Body and Cactus Farms, were also quick to join in the roundup of supplies. The team at Boyt Harness donated thousands of masks from their Missouri plant to hospitals and facilities in need there.

"This is what makes my job such a pleasure," said Trickey. "When the community is in need, our business network knows how to deliver."

Southern Hills staff members, residents, family members and friends alike have joined together to help with the cause, sewing from mask templates for residents and staffers to use while other donation efforts are in the works. Boeve's own grandmother, Kathy Klein sewed 100 masks for the staff and is working on washable gowns for the program. Southern Hills staffer and CNA, Amy Allen brought her seamstress talents back in her off hours just to help with the production as well.

With the influx of masks and gloves, the need for other safety materials has become a priority. Materials for sewing additional masks as well as gowns and other PPEs are still needed to help the staff properly care for the residents.

"We couldn't be more blessed," said Boeve. "Our community really knows how to come together in a time of crisis."

Boeve went on to stress the need for basic sewing materials like needles and thread for additional masks for mending gowns. And the donation of more N95 masks, gowns, or PPEs remains on the priority list for the foreseeable future.

If you have access to the items needed for the care of the residents at Southern Hills or have items you can donate, please reach out to Destiny Boeve at Southern Hills Care Center, 444 N W View Drive, Osceola, IA 50213, phone: 641-342-6061.

Learn more about the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC): https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Since the WHO announced the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic status in early March, long-term care facilities have been on the front lines of the health and safety battle, notes the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Osceola City Council Green Lights Contractor Bidding On New Wastewater Plant

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- The Osceola City Council has approved a schedule for taking bids on construction of the updated wastewater treatment facility. A recent pre-bid meeting brought in a handful of interest, but with design and budgeting finalized, the City is now able to open the call for bids to contractors interested in undertaking the project.

As far back as 2010, new EPA regulations as well as the continued growth of Osceola itself made the need for modernizing and updating the wastewater treatment unavoidable. According to the EPA, the acceptable limits of certain water constituents were lowered, making the current water treatment plant incapable of meet the new regulations. After many years of research, studies, plans and financial estimates, the project is ready to move forward by beginning the contractor selection process.

The projected timeline for the new wastewater treatment plant's construction is scheduled roughly to take two years, then the repurposing of the current facility is slated to take another two years. All of this will be done before the project is finalized or costs are realized. At this time, total projected costs for the new plant is estimated to be just under $30 million dollars.

A large portion of that cost - roughly 47% - is being covered through a partnership with Osceola's major industrial contributors. The balance will be financed through the State Revolving Fund Loan via the Iowa Finance Authority. Utility payers will pay their proportionate share through minor updates, not expected to exceed the standard cost of living rate over the next several years.

While the updated treatment facility will meet EPA demands, increase treatment capabilities, as well as offer expansion to support future economic growth, several other benefits to the updates will be realized. Significantly, the city of Osceola was recently awarded a $2.4 million grant designated to fund projects which improve the quality of stormwater runoff. Their eligibility to even apply was granted through the planned wastewater treatment plant updates and the use of a State Revolving Fund Loan. Using this grant, green practices such as pervious pavers and intakes designed to separate debris from stormwater runoff will be incorporated in the downtown area, further improving water quality throughout the community.

In addition to better wastewater management, compliance and water runoff quality, the City of Osceola has recently taken on ownership of the local golf course wherein new wastewater treatment facility will allow for additional money-saving strategies.

"No pun intended, but we're 'teeing ourselves up' to be able to take advantage of the new graywater system so we can irrigate the municipal golf course," said Ty Wheeler, Osceola City Administrator. "While it's not part of the current plans for the treatment plant, we are expecting future strategies like this to save the city money and facilitate business and community growth."

Once completed, the updated treatment plant will not only increase flow capacity of the wastewater that's taken in, but will also see increased capacity in the treatment of the constituents found within that flow. Updates will ensure the city's compliance with DNR and EPA regulations for several decades to come.

"We have big plans for future growth of the City," said Wheeler. "These updates open us to increasing new businesses opportunities and more residents far into the future."

If you are interested in submitting a bid for this project, please read specifications, deadlines, and all other pertinent information on the Osceola, Iowa Web site at: https://osceolaia.net/revised-notice-to-bidders-construction-of-wastewater-treatment-facility-improvements/

For more information about the wastewater treatment plant project, contact Ty Wheeler, Osceola City Administrator, via email, by calling 641-342-2377, or by visiting the administration offices at 115 N. Fillmore St., Osceola, IA 50213.

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1119s2p-osceola-ww-plant-expansion-300dpi.jpg
*Image caption: Expansion plans more than double the footprint of the current wastewater treatment plant.

The Osceola City Council has approved a schedule for taking bids on construction of the updated wastewater treatment facility. A recent pre-bid meeting brought in a handful of interest, but with design and budgeting finalized, the City is now able to open the call for bids to contractors interested in undertaking the project.

Related link: https://osceolaia.net/

Free Land Incentives Hope to Spur on Spring New Home Construction

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Spring is finally here and with it comes the start of the building season. Families are looking to build new homes, developers are looking for prime real estate, and contractors are itching to get back in the field after a long, hard winter. As part of an ongoing housing development initiative, Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has been working with the city of Osceola to offer home builders and developers shovel-ready sites at no cost for residential projects.

The initiative also extends reimbursements on interest for construction loans for up to a 12-month period. The CCDC launched this Zero-Cost Land Development initiative in 2017 as an effort to capitalize on the recent growth trends and development throughout south-central Iowa. While tax abatements and other incentives are offered throughout the state, the concept of Zero-Cost Development offers builders and developers a bigger opportunity for establishing profitable programs throughout the city.

The workforce in Iowa is experiencing unprecedented low unemployment, making businesses work harder to attract the best and the brightest qualified employees. CCDC and the city of Osceola are working together to help provide a big incentive for local businesses offering executive, management, and long-term employment candidates custom housing solutions. Local affordable housing programs such as Kading Properties' Meadows Development have been a huge success and there is plenty of opportunity for developers to meet the needs of those looking for more.

"Development land in the Des Moines Metro area can set builders back $80,000 to $200,000 per lot or more," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of Clarke County Development Corporation. "Osceola is close to metro amenities with a quality of life you can't find in larger cities. Continuously developing and improving, the city offers a sense of community and safety among neighbors, providing peace of mind for growing families."

Osceola's major benefits include over 4,600 non-farming jobs, a quality school district advanced beyond some suburban Metro schools, and several quality of life developments like an expanding trail system, improved city parks, lakes and land for hunting, fishing and limitless outdoor recreation. City officials and the CCDC hope the Zero-Cost Land Development initiative will continue to strengthen neighborhoods and encourage families to call Osceola home.

If you're a builder looking for a low-cost entry into a competitive market, contact Bill Trickey at the Clarke County Development Corporation at info@clarkecountyiowa.com or 641-342-2944 to learn more about the Zero-Cost Development initiative.

Learn more about Clarke County at: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Spring is finally here and with it comes the start of the building season. As part of an ongoing housing development initiative, Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has been working with the city of Osceola to offer home builders and developers shovel-ready sites at no cost for residential projects.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

CCDC Celebrates 50 Years of Community Commitment and Success

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC). In August of 1969, the development corporation that has brought Osceola and Clarke County, Iowa numerous business and economic successes including Jimmy Dean and Hormel as well as the boon of Lakeside Casino all started from the passion of a few locals ready to push the community they loved toward a brighter future.

The original founders and board members included Eddy Saylor, Fred Wood, L.P. Van Werden, Jack Jeffreys, Ross Gould, Stan Samuelson, Gerald Edwards, and Donald Ramsey.

These founders developed a plan that would form an economic development corporation focused on attracting new business, supporting existing area business, and improving the quality of live for the entire community.

Making sure to build the corporation on a not-for-profit, 501(c)(6) structure meant the corporation, with a board of directors made up of active local businesses and citizens, would work together to drive local and regional economic growth. The elected board would operate on behalf of the existing business and community members maintaining accountability to its core values, the members and the community. This structure has been at the core of its operations since its founding.

"A lot can happen over five decades," said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. "When you have a board and membership as consistently driven for success and growth as we've had with the CCDC, what transpires is economic sustainability."

Right out of the gate, the CCDC board took action to purchase and break ground for development of an 87-acre industrial business park on the south side of the city. Over the next decade, the board recruited businesses such as Osceola State Bank, Metal Craft Engineering (Now SIMCO Drilling Rigs & Equipment, Inc.), and Jimmy Dean Meat Company as the first tenants. Throughout the 70's and early 80's additional businesses moved in and the necessary infrastructure was developed made up of a water tower and another 68 acres with sewer and street construction. Today many of Clarke County's anchor employers like Altec (originally Furnas and then Astoria), Salford Manufacturing (previously Maclander), Osceola Foods (Hormel) and SIMCO do business from this park, serving customers all over the world.

Understanding the logistical blessings of Osceola, Iowa - placed at the intersection of I-35, Highway 34 and Highway 69, as well as a local stop to the BNSF Railway - made the addition of an airport and improvements to interstate access a logical next step in drawing more business and industry to the area. The CCDC board acted on those activities through the 80s and 90s, even while some of the nation's biggest cities and rural areas were struggling with hard economic times.

In the 90s, upon hearing the city council in Des Moines, Iowa was passing on the addition of a casino to the south side of its downtown, board President Eddy Saylor and other CCDC members decided to take on the recruitment of Lakeside Casino Resort for Clarke County. Through aggressive campaigning driven by a passion for development and progress, the deal was made to break ground for the riverboat on West Lake late in 2000 with The Development Corporation securing the gambling license. This would prove to be a "game changer" for the entire area.

"The casino was a big shot in the arm for the area," said Helen Kimes, CCDC Board Member and past president. "With the county and the cities of Murray and Woodburn sharing the profits made from the boat, development opportunities in the area were given an incredible boost."

Since the addition of the casino, grant opportunities through the Development Corporation have made a positive impact across Clarke County. This included updates to the Clarke County Hospital in the early 2000s, with further renovations and expansion over the last few years. Clarke County continues to benefit from the CCDC grants, allowing the hospital to provide award-winning emergency services and medical care. Community programs like Tech Prep Housing, Paint the Town Red, Safe Routes to School with miles of recreational trail expansions, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the support for The Village Daycare continue to improve the quality of life in Clarke County.

With the addition of the E. Eddy Saylor Industrial Park for businesses like Osceola Farm and Home, Boyt Harness, Alliant Energy, and Iowa Steel, employment opportunities have increased, as have contributions to the county's tax base, keeping the vision of the original founders like Eddy Saylor moving forward.

With thousands of jobs created for the county since its inception in 1969, the Clarke County Development Corporation shows no sign of slowing. Expansions for the Saylor Business Park this year as well as closing in on the development of the Clarke County Reservoir mean even more opportunities to bring business and growth to the area can be seen on the horizon. So, join the CCDC, their board, and members in celebrating this half century milestone and wish them luck for the next 50 years.

If you have questions about the Development Corporation or would like to participate as a member, contact Bill Trickey, Executive Director at the Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 E Washington St, Osceola, IA 50213, Phone: (641) 342-2944, email: info@osceolaclarkedev.com

More information on the CCDC: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

This year (2019) marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC). In August of 1969, the development corporation that has brought Osceola and Clarke County, Iowa numerous business and economic successes.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

South Central Iowa Manufacturer Digs Into Storm Safety

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Osceola, Iowa's SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc. took steps this week to address the risks surrounding dangerous weather - specifically tornado incidents like those seen in Pella and the Vermeer plant recently. With over two dozen employees housed in a steel-frame building, along with tons of manufacturing equipment, you can imagine what a similar incident would do to SIMCO, manufacturer of drilling rigs for water wells, geothermal drills, geotech soil sampling, and roadway pavement core drills.

"We identify whole-heartedly with the Vermeer team. The Pella tornado disaster opened my eyes to the need to address storm safety here at SIMCO," said Darren Swolley, General Manager for SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc. "We want to take every precaution possible to ensure the safety of our employees."

The three cellar-style shelters were dug in and placed, side-by-side, into the SIMCO property outside the main building. Each consists of steel reinforced concrete walls, roof, and floor measuring approximately 10-feet x 7-feet x 7-feet. Each storm shelter will keep up to 18 people safe during a storm emergency. The units, manufactured by Midwest Storm Shelters, LLC near Joplin, Missouri, who has seen its own tornado troubles, were delivered to the SIMCO location in Osceola, Iowa and installed Tuesday. The SIMCO team, with help from Osceola's Andrew Construction Company, had the site prepared and completed the installation the same day.

Steve Jurshak, Chief engineer at SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc. said, while preparing the site for installation, "We hope we will never have to use these storm shelters, but feel better knowing we are keeping our employees safe."

About SIMCO Drilling Equipment:

For over 45 years, SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc. has manufactured drilling rigs, fabricated custom equipment and provided parts and service for water well drilling, geothermal drilling, and other drilling operations around the globe. As the company continues to grow and service an even wider range of drilling rigs, safety practices like this will ensure the well-being of their team.

For more information about the tornado shelter's installation and SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc., contact Darren Swolley, General Manager at 800-338-9925, or go to http://simcodrill.com/.

Osceola, Iowa's SIMCO Drilling Equipment, Inc. took steps this week to address the risks surrounding dangerous weather - specifically tornado incidents like those seen in Pella and the Vermeer plant recently. With over two dozen employees housed in a steel-frame building, along with tons of manufacturing equipment, you can imagine what a similar incident would do to SIMCO.

Related link: http://simcodrill.com/