Blog

Enhancing connectivity and expanding essential infrastructure creates a welcoming environment for retaining and attracting businesses. Updated infrastructure helps companies reduce production costs, enhance and expand operations, add jobs, and increase efficiency for companies. In Winnebago and Worth Counties, Alliant Energy is a crucial partner for economic growth and works alongside economic...Continue Reading

North Iowa is poised to make significant progress in addressing its housing challenges with the upcoming Housing Conference scheduled for April 24, 2025, at The Music Man Square in Mason City. Organized by many regional partners alongside  Winn-Worth Betco, this event promises to be an essential gathering of experts, policymakers,...Continue Reading

A Warm Welcome to Winnebago CountyNestled in northern Iowa, Winnebago County offers more than scenic landscapes—it’s a community where neighbors become friends, and life feels a little brighter. For Kenneth and Carol Umbaugh, this sense of community has made Forest City, the county seat, a cherished home. Their journey to...Continue Reading

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant step for service members. The Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge Program is designed to ease this transition by offering invaluable civilian work experience through training, apprenticeships, and internships. For the communities in Winnebago and Worth Counties, this program presents a unique...Continue Reading

As the holiday season approaches, communities across Iowa are gearing up for Small Business Saturday on the last Saturday of November. This annual event, nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers shoppers an opportunity to support local businesses that bring unique products, personal service, and a special character to our...Continue Reading

Connecting Businesses with Rural OpportunitiesCommunity Venture Network (CVN), a service offered by The Brookshire Company, is vital in linking businesses with rural communities eager to welcome expansion. According to Justin Erickson, VP of Site Selection & Economic Development at CVN, the process begins with outreach. "A misconception is that businesses...Continue Reading

The City of Scarville is joining more than 125 other Iowa local entities who have chosen to show their support for Iowa Veterans by becoming an HBI community.Home Base Iowa is a one-of-kind program designed to connect veterans and service members with more than 2,300 businesses statewide who have pledged...Continue Reading

Reducing Carbon Footprint and Easing CongestionAs businesses and communities become more aware of the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges is critical. Commute with Enterprise is a unique concept in this landscape, offering a practical and eco-friendly way to transform the daily commute. By...Continue Reading

The City of Lake Mills is joining more than 125 other Iowa local entities who have chosen to show their support for Iowa Veterans by becoming an HBI community.Home Base Iowa is a one-of-kind program designed to connect veterans and service members with more than 2,300 businesses statewide who have...Continue Reading

In North Iowa, Winnebago County offers a rich history, robust economic development, and a vibrant community life. David L. Kingland, a long-time resident and retired CEO of MBT Bank, shares his insights on why Winnebago County is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family.Rooted in History: A...Continue Reading

Forest City citizen James Marone is one the latest veterans to receive Winnebago County’s and Forest City’s veteran incentives, providing him and his family a $1,000 relocation grant amongst gym memberships and other certificates for utilities.In 2023, Winnebago and Worth Counties partnered with Home Base Iowa and the State of...Continue Reading

A New Chapter in Economic and Community DevelopmentHeartland Power Cooperative, a pivotal energy provider in North Central Iowa and South Central Minnesota, has recently welcomed Dave Fox as its new Manager of Economic Development and Community Relations. Heartland Power is deeply integrated into the region's fabric and serves approximately 5,200...Continue Reading

Throughout his eight years as a Worth County Supervisor, Mark Smeby has spent much of his time working to lower property taxes and advocate for local farmers and agriculture businesses.Smeby is also a full-time farmer who graduated from Lake Mills Community High School and Iowa State University. In their free...Continue Reading

A self-described “transplant from Northfield, MN,” Kensett mayor Corey Puliju has dedicated nearly a decade to the small community, as well as Winnebago and Worth Counties. He is half-way through his second term as Kensett mayor and has served as the jailer for the Worth County Sheriff’s Office for two...Continue Reading

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day competition on Thursday April 11, 2024. The NIACC Spring 2024 Venture School cohort competed in person after attending classes virtually for 7 weeks of training, customer discovery, and developing their business model alongside local entrepreneur...Continue Reading

The Hanson Nature Center, located two miles north of Leland, is now open for public viewing and will allow visitors to learn about the natural lands and species of Winnebago County.The center plans to have its grand opening on July 13, 2024. While the center is open, the Winnebago County...Continue Reading

Who ever said that adults can’t enjoy prom too? Get all dolled up with your partner or friends, let loose and have a night to remember at Adult Prom Casino Night this Saturday, March 2, at 8 p.m. in the Grafton Community Center.Throughout the last 20 years, the adult prom...Continue Reading

Searching for a job? Look no further. The Waldorf University and Forest City Area Spring Career and Internship Fair is this Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 1-4 p.m. in the Civic Auditorium in Forest City.“We need to grow our workforce,” said Beth Bilyeu, executive director of Forest City Economic Development. “We...Continue Reading

Carpenter Coffee Company parked its coffee trailer last December to set up its first brick and mortar shop in Northwood, paving the way for its grand opening at the beginning of this year.The shop is owned by Jon and Bree Back, who started their business in a trailer in 2022...Continue Reading

Lake Mills was ripe with spooky deals throughout its annual Ghouls Day Out on Oct. 21. Shoppers hit the streets for the Halloween-themed event for the chance to win baskets put together by participating businesses.Shoppers started at Lake Mills Chamber Development Corporation, which puts on the event, and received their...Continue Reading

One Buffalo Center resident proves you CAN have your cake and eat it too.Hannah Main is not only a veterinary technician for the Forest City Veterinary Clinic but also the owner of Wiggle Butts Dog Grooming in Buffalo Center, allowing her to pursue both her passions.Recognizing the need for dog...Continue Reading

Michaelis and Stone attend the Altoona ConferenceMelissa 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...Continue Reading

The word “blacksmith” may flood one with images of Medieval times, swords and large, burning forges, but really, smithing is an art thriving in our neighbor’s yard.From ornaments to flowers to custom orders, Eric Wolsing can craft it all. Wolsing’s business, Oak & Anvil Works is an operated steel fabrication,...Continue Reading

June 13, 2023: Last summer, both the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors and the Worth County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to provide $1,000 in relocation assistance to veterans moving into Winnebago or Worth Counties through the HBI program. The funds will be distributed through the county’s economic development...Continue Reading