City commits $60K in support of grant

by Marianne Gasaway

The City of Clear Lake is lending its support to an application for a federal grant which would aim to strengthen North Iowa’s economic and entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of technology.

Following a presentation by North Iowa Economic Development Corridor Executive Director Chad Schrek and comments from Tim Putnam, director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center on the NIACC campus, the City Council unanimously voted Monday night to provide $60,000 of funding over three years.  The local contribution will be combined with others from the City of Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, NIACC and in-kind staffing from the Pappajohn  Center, to seek a $750,000 grant for the North Iowa Innovation Center project.

Schreck explained the project is needed to centralize the strong foundation of assets North Iowa has to offer businesses and workers 

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in the technology field. It would help to fill jobs that are currently available here, as well as those new technology businesses would bring. Its success would help to give students and residents of the area the ability to train for technology jobs, as well as provide the resources for businesses.

“We need to be at the forefront of this issue. As a rural economy, we need to make sure we are not left behind,” Schreck stated.  “We will continue to focus on agriculture and manufacturing, but whether you are a farmer in a field or in manufacturing, you need to know tech.”

In voicing their support for seeking the grant, City Council members said North Iowa should address the creation of a pipeline which would promote technology asset cohesiveness.   More jobs in technology would also enhance the quality of life in Clear Lake and could potentially help to retain young workers, or bring them back to North Iowa to raise their families, they noted.

“The City of Clear Lake is home to several technology companies, including Kingland Systems, Help Systems/TeamQuest, CL Tel and more.  The contributions that these organizations make in our community have been lasting and have strengthened our economy throughout the years.  The City of Clear Lake is excited to partner in the work of the North Iowa Innovation Center as part of the Vision North Iowa strategy,” stated Mayor Nelson Crabb.

Schreck said the grant application, which has been in the works since October, will be submitted by Friday and it will still face competition. 

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