The Grinnell Lions Club invited Poweshiek Development Executive Director Melissa Strovers to speak at Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, August 27. Her message to farmers, agricultural businesses and community members was clear: agriculture and economic development go hand in hand. Agriculture is deeply connected to Poweshiek County’s businesses, workforce and communities. Every farm is a business. Farmers invest in land, buildings, equipment, technology and employees. Their wo

Nine downtown building owners and business representatives attended an informational session at the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce to learn more about Grinnell's Downtown Energy Efficiency Pilot Program on May 26, 2026. The pilot program is a collaborative effort between Poweshiek Development, the City of Grinnell, the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, Alliant Energy, and Franklin Energy. The initiative is designed to help downtown building owners and tenants identify opp

Economic development is about more than creating plans—it's about turning ideas into lasting community impact. Last summer, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) partnered with the City of Grinnell, Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, and Poweshiek Development to complete a Downtown Assessment. The assessment identified opportunities to strengthen downtown, including creating welcoming public gathering spaces, activating alleys, expanding public art, and enhancing the

In the fall of 2025, Poweshiek Development launched countywide work groups using collective impact to bring people together around economic development. During the first year, 38 representatives from 31 businesses and organizations participated across nine economic development sectors. The initiative grew from Poweshiek Development’s countywide strategic plan, which called for stronger collaboration and accountability. Six workgroups focused on entrepreneurship and small busi

Poweshiek Development, Region 6 Resource Partners, the Brooklyn Economic Development Group, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce brought Brooklyn business and building owners together on August 10 at First National Bank in Brooklyn to learn about a potential resource for downtown building improvements. Julie Winter with Region 6 Resource Partners shared information about the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commercial Facades Program, including how the program works,