Winn-Worth Betco Represented at IADG Partner’s Forum

Michaelis and Stone attend the Altoona Conference

Melissa Michaelis, executive director of Winn-Worth Betco, was one of several economic development professionals to attend the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) Partners Forum in Altoona last week.

IADG aims to assist businesses and communities throughout the state to reach their project development goals, and this conference is one of many ways the group works to educate industry professionals.

Director Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), welcomed attendees from across the state. They had the opportunity to hear from various industry leaders throughout the two days, including information on innovative approaches to rural housing, responding to a business project request for information, how businesses in rural Iowa are tackling workforce challenges and agriculture challenges, trends and opportunities.

“Attending events like this helps create and maintain relationships with economic development professionals across the state,” said Michaelis.
Worth County Supervisor AJ Stone also participated as a panelist with Dawn Meyer, city administrator of Manning, and John Riherd, Butler County engineer. The three discussed and answered questions regarding how to communicate with city and county officials effectively.

“The networking alone provides an opportunity to meet the next great prospect or idea,” said Stone. “It is beneficial to meet and maintain any relationship that was spearheaded by conferences like this.”

Both Michaelis and Stone work closely with IADG on prospect leads for many sites across the two counties WWB covers.

Founded in 1985, Iowa Area Development Group is the business and community development leader for our sponsors and partners, including over 220 member-owned electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and independent telecommunication companies throughout the state. IADG is committed to providing consultation and assistance to help businesses and communities achieve their project development goals.