Local economic development representatives came together for a community event that provided updates on the topics of daycare, housing, organizational updates and collaborative efforts to keep the local economy growing strong.
The second annual Algona Business and Community Forum was held on Thursday, April 17 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Tietz Entrepreneurial Center on the Algona campus of Iowa Lakes Community College. The free event drew approximately 40 participants and included representatives from the City of Algona, Algona Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC), Algona Municipal Utilities (AMU), Algona Area Chamber of Commerce, Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation (K/PACEDC) and the Tietz Entrepreneurial Center.
John Bilsten, president of AAEDC and general manager of AMU, spoke about the mission of AAEDC and the organization’s role in the community.
“AAEDC strives to retain, recruit and promote business and industry to strengthen our economic base by generating capital investments and creating jobs for our community,” Bilsten said. “Historically, AAEDC has been involved in industrial park projects and other initiatives that have a positive impact on the community and our local economy.”
Currently AAEDC is working with 3D Homes LLC to construct affordable homes on Spruce Street, as part of a housing initiative. AAEDC underwent a re-branding effort in 2023, transitioning to the www.DiscoverAlgona.com website, which features community videos, new business tools and other resources for individuals who want to get to know the Algona community. AAEDC partners with the Tietz Entrepreneurial Center to offer quarterly networking lunches, targeted at new members of the community and recent returnees. In the fall of 2023, AAEDC unveiled the Algona Advantage Program. This new initiative offers up to $5,000 in forgivable loan funds for qualifying new and expanding businesses. Since its inception, the Algona Advantage Program has distributed awards to four businesses.
Bilsten also spoke about AMU’s economic development contributions and efforts, specifically its revolving loan fund and commitment to upgrading its fiber optic infrastructure to boost customer bandwidth and improve communication and operation of electric and water systems. AMU’s efforts to convert overhead powerlines to underground powerlines has created less risk and more reliability during storms and other weather events. AMU was recently recognized by the American Public Power Association for being a reliable public power provider in 2024.
Avery Pedersen began as the new executive director of the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce in October of 2024. She introduced the Chamber’s updated mission statement, which is to cultivate economic momentum and community vitality in the Algona area. In addition to community events, Pedersen also spoke about the variety of programs that the Chamber provides, such as the Chamber Ambassadors program, Leadership Algona, tourism, member-to-member benefits, Algona Bucks, and welcome packets for newcomers to the community. In the coming months, the Chamber will continue to focus on strategic initiatives such as membership services, benefits and communication and marketing and promotion efforts.
Tod Faris began as the new executive director of Kossuth and Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation in September of 2024. He shared K/PACEDC’s efforts to reach out to local businesses to learn about upcoming needs, changes and challenges and the economic development reports that are available on the K/PACEDC website. Kossuth County’s revolving loan fund, which was established in 2004, has distributed 22 loans totaling $770,400. Faris spoke about the ongoing success of the Human Resources Committee, City Clerk Committee, Intern Program and Leadership Trainings. Faris concluded with an update on the Kossuth County Daycare Coalition, which is working towards the creation of a community campaign to support more daycare options in Algona and Kossuth County.
Jacob Tjaden, City of Algona Administrator, spoke about the ways the city supports economic development, through zoning, permitting and code enforcement, infrastructure and resources for businesses. The City provides incentives and financing for businesses through commercial/industrial tax abatement, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund program. Developing key infrastructure elements, such as street improvements and the creation of the Kueck Industrial Park have been a focus in the past five years.
Tjaden views quality of life initiatives as an economic tool that has the potential to draw new residents and young families to the area. Some recent examples of such projects led by the city include the Tietz Park Shelter House, South Park pickleball courts, Central Park splash pad and future development of the former Peck Auction House property. Tjaden also provided details about the Nebraska Street Corridor Project, which will involve sections of Nebraska Street and Thorington Street. Construction on that project will begin this summer.