Join us for a FREE livestream watch party featuring nationally recognized leadership consultant, TEDx speaker, and author Dr. Jann Freed. In addition, Melissa Strovers of Poweshiek Development will share a snapshot of 25 current job opportunities from nine local employers, just a sample of the many careers available throughout Poweshiek County.

Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is an important part of building strong communities and a resilient local economy. Across Poweshiek County, local organizations are working together to ensure business owners have access to the tools, training, and support they need to start, grow, and succeed. Over the past several months, Poweshiek Development has partnered with The Iowa Center for Economic Success, Montezuma Community Development, Brooklyn Economic Development,

Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative and the City of Grinnell working in coordination with Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce are launching a new Energy Efficiency Pilot Program for buildings located within Grinnell’s Central Business District. In partnership with Franklin Energy and Alliant Energy, the pilot program is designed to help downtown building owners and tenants learn more about and take advantage of opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce operati

Image provided by IDEA downtown assessment with proposed flex space idea for activating underutilized spaces in downtown Grinnell.

The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative team attended the "Stronger Boards, Stronger Communities" leadership workshop hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on April 18th, 2026. The team along with incoming board President Ashtyn Beck and board member, Rachel Bly, spent the day at the DMACC campus in Newton. Joined by a diverse group of regional leaders and representatives of the Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa, DMACC- Newton Campus, Newton Library,

The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative hosted its 2026 Annual Meeting, and the atmosphere was vibrant. With 110 people in attendance, nearly triple the turnout of the previous year, the message was clear: our community is more engaged than ever in shaping the future of Poweshiek County. Outgoing President Brian Manatt opened the night by reminding us that no single community can thrive in isolation. "When we all work together, we’re stronger and more competitive," h

Poweshiek Development is excited to welcome Jasmine McGregor as our new Economic Development Coordinator, supporting county‑wide efforts to strengthen collaboration, communication, and community engagement across Poweshiek County. In this role, Jasmine will work closely with our Executive Director to help coordinate key projects, support local businesses and partners, and enhance the visibility of economic development initiatives throughout the county. The coordinator positio

On January 29, community members in Malcom welcomed Jim Thompson, a Downtown Economic Development Specialist, and Sacha Wise, the Empower Rural Iowa Director, from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for a community visit. Poweshiek Development supported t he coordination of this visit to introduce IEDA to Malcom and provide them with an idea of the community through constituents’ eyes. Members discussed their favorite things about living in Malcom, things they wan

Are you passionate about community growth and looking for a mission-driven role in Poweshiek County? Poweshiek Development is seeking a Part-Time Economic Development Coordinator to support county-wide initiatives. This public-facing role is perfect for a self-starter who excels at communication and organization. You will work closely with our Executive Director to coordinate vital projects, manage social media, and engage with local businesses and governments. Position High

Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative is committed to understanding and enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem for our county. Recognizing the vital role that entrepreneurship plays in driving economic growth, we partnered with the CyBIZ Lab at Iowa State University in Spring 2025 to conduct a comprehensive study of our county entrepreneurial landscape. This research examined economic trends, surveyed residents and businesses, and benchmarked comparable rural communi

Poweshiek County is coming together to shape its future. Poweshiek Development has launched a new working group initiative that brings together community leaders, business owners, and local experts together to tackle key opportunities for growth. The initiative responds directly to the county-wide strategic plan, which called for increased collaboration and accountability. Over the past year, research and community conversations, highlighted the importance of targeted, action

With the assistance of Poweshiek Development, Sips Coffee Company in Grinnell secured a Rural Innovation Grant from the Iowa Economic...

Beginning in the 2025 academic year, Poweshiek Economic Development Collective (Poweshiek Development) welcomed Olivia Lee as part of the Service Leadership Work Study (SLWS) program. Lee is a second-year student at Grinnell College, originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She is majoring in Economics with a double concentration in Policy Studies and Global Development Studies. Passionate about the intersection of economic policy and community impact, she is keen to

With the assistance of Poweshiek Development, Dayton Meat Products in Malcom secured a Rural Innovation Grant administered by the Iowa...

Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative (Poweshiek Development) today announced a leadership transition, with Melissa Strovers...

We are excited to announce a significant change that reflects our commitment to growth and collaboration within Poweshiek County. We understand that change can be challenging, and you may be wondering about the reasons behind our new name, logo, and timing. This moment calls for a fresh approach—one that fosters deeper connections and enhances collaboration across our communities. Our new brand embodies this vision, signaling our readiness to grow together as a county. This t

On Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, Poweshiek Development held its annual celebration at the Grinnell Mutual Conference Center, bringing...

In 2005, Poweshiek Area Development was established to foster growth, innovation, and prosperity in Poweshiek County. In 2010, we...