A Night of Momentum: Reflecting on the 2026 Annual Meeting

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," he noted, a sentiment that resonated throughout the room. It has been a year of building shared priorities, and seeing the room filled with diverse voices from across the county was a testament to that progress.

We welcomed Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, as our special guest. Sitting down for a chair-to-chair conversation, she spoke candidly about the shifting landscape of Iowa’s economy, noting that while the state is bringing production back to the U.S., the real "secret sauce" for local success is readiness. Whether it’s through certified industrial sites or robust housing assessments, she challenged us to continue being proactive partners in growth.

A major focus of the discussion was the need for housing. Durham emphasized that to attract the next generation of workers, we must offer a full continuum of living options, from single-family homes to modern multi-family dwellings. 

The night also served as a heartfelt "thank you" and a "welcome” to our members and stakeholders across the county to reflect on what we have accomplished and looking forward to in the future. We celebrated Brian Manatt’s years of dedicated leadership as he stepped down from his role as President. Under his guidance, the organization navigated the imagining and launch of the organization. As Brian transitions to Past President, we are excited to welcome Ashtyn Beek, Dean of Iowa Valley Grinnell, as our incoming President starting July 1. 

We also honored Becky Petig for her exceptional, long-standing service as a board member. As she steps away to begin her new chapter as a District Associate Judge in the 6th District. Becky shared, “It has been a privilege to serve alongside Brian and the other board members over the years. As I step away to take on this new opportunity, I am confident in the organization’s leadership, the momentum that is underway, and its energized county-wide economic development efforts.” 

During the meeting, our stakeholder members voted and approved the new slate of board of directors for the upcoming year:

2026-2027 OFFICERS

Chair - Ashtyn Beek – Iowa Valley Community College

Vice Chair - Delphina Baumann, Prairie Thrift

Treasurer - Chris Hansen, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance

Secretary - Tanner Jansen – Jansen Chiropractic

Past President - Brian Manatt, Manatt's Inc

BOARD MEMBERS

Rachel Bly – Grinnell City Council

Pete Brownell – Brownells

Jason Roudabush – Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors

We are grateful to everyone who spent their evening with us in Brooklyn. Your presence proves that Poweshiek County isn't just watching the future happen; we are actively building it together.

Watch our 2026 Annual Meeting update below.