Clayton County Development Group holds annual meeting, bestows awards
The Clayton County Development Group (CCDG) annual meeting was held at the Casino Queen in the SEVENS room in Marquette on July 27. CCDG handed out several awards at the event. Pictured (front, left to right) are recipients Ellen Collins, Kathy Garms, Amy Speed; (back) Luke Brady, Ann Gibney, Jennifer Cowsert, Kelly Meyer, Steve Meyer, Dr. Hoffman and Thomas Leitgen. (Submitted photo)
The Clayton County Development Group (CCDG) annual meeting was held at the Casino Queen in the SEVENS room in Marquette on July 27. Attending were state representatives Anne Osmundson and Michael Bergan, SBA Business Consultant Jo Eckart and Iowa Works Administrator Bill Minnick, Clayton County Supervisors Sharon Keehner and Ray Peterson and honorary mayors Bill Frommelt of Guttenberg and Eric Koenig of Monona.
CCDG recognized community leaders, lenders and business owners along with special guest Jathan Chicoine, a USN veteran and program manager for Home Based Iowa. Chicoine read a letter of congratulations from Gov. Reynolds on Clayton County becoming a Home Based Iowa County, and shared the benefits of the program to promote veterans to Clayton County.
The theme for the 27th annual dinner was “Stronger Together.” CCDG President John Finley shared the history on how the organization started and the success it has had over the years. The 2020 annual report was shared through a slideshow produced by Abigail Cummer. The 2021 annual report was given by executive director Darla Kelchen on the past year’s accomplishments. The tourism team of Elise Bergan, Rogeta Halvorson, Samantha Baumgartner, Carol Grau, Melissa Schumann, Ann Gibney and Linzy Martin reported on the marketing campaign and its success. It is the partnership of the county, communities, lenders, industries, businesses, community leaders and organizations that support CCDG to accomplish the goals together.
CCDG recognizes those who impact their communities and the county with awards. This year, that included:
Community Initiative of the Year - Don Ostert presented the award to the community of Edgewood for their vision and leadership of the Claytonside Investment group and the community’s support to invest in the local grocery store that continues to serve residents and visitors. Luke Brady accepted the award and shared the support from the community that made it possible to accomplish their goals.
Celebrating 175 Years - Robert Hauber awarded the community of Elkader on the celebration of their 175th anniversary, the changes that have occurred past and present, and the team work to make Elkader a vibrant community to work, live and play in. Jennifer Cowsert accepted the award and shared that the sister city in Algeria also celebrated Elkader’s 175th anniversary.
Industry of the Year - Lanny Kuehl recognized Thomas Leitgen of Aero Seeder Inc., who designed, built, test piloted and sold globally the Aero Seeder drone that seeds cover crops. It is the innovators of today that will make farming easier tomorrow. Leitgen accepted the award and shared his invention and the opportunities it offers for farmers or as an option to start your own business.
Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in Health Care - Steve Hanson presented the award to the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital for six decades of keeping others healthy and strong. The hospital has grown and expanded to meet the changes in practices. It is their compassion and dedication to patient care that helps us during these challenging times. Accepting the award was Dr. Hoffman and Amy Speed, who shared that new equipment is being installed as they prepare for the future.
Business of the Year - Cathy Denning awarded and reflected on the White Springs Supper Club in McGregor, which is dedicated to family tradition in serving customers as the next generation has rekindled the family business. From timeless recipes to new dishes, Jen and Rob and Emily and Brian have re-opened the supper club and welcome customers to visit the nostalgia of yester year and the updates of today. Cathy accepted the award on their behalf.
Entrepreneur of the Year - Jackie Opperman awarded Kelly and Steve Meyer for their business venture of Embers in Strawberry Point. This local coffee shop opens early to get customers’ mornings off to a good start and the newly renovated building has history and charm from the past. Kelly and Steve accepted the award and shared how Embers was a dream of theirs for the past two years and that are enjoying meeting friendly folks that stop for coffee and local products.
Finley concluded the evening by calling the annual meeting to order, and a motion was made and passed to elect Steve Hanson, Lanny Kuehl and Sharon Keehner to the board for three years. Financial report was given. Finley reviewed the group’s 2021-2022 goals, which include promoting small business programs, hosting one-on-one business consulting, facilitating a county-wide marketing plan, hosting business training workshops, utilizing state and regional partnerships and providing gap financing with a revolving loan funds, expanding Home Base Iowa initiatives, conducting a housing needs assessment and promoting a community leadership training with the Clayton County Iowa State Extension.
Denning provided the table decorations as a door prize made by Tiffany & Weller, of McGregor. Planning booklets were given by Interstate Federal Savings and Loan Association of McGregor.
