Embodying the Spirit of a Winn-Worth Betco Community, Iowa

Community spirit is a powerful force that drives growth and development in towns and cities worldwide. The essence of unity, collaboration, and support brings people together for a common purpose. One Winn-Worth Betco community is a shining example of such spirit, where individuals come together to create a vibrant and thriving environment. 

One recent development highlighting the community's commitment to progress is the appointment of Mariel Wolsing as the new executive director of North Iowa Betterment (NIB), coinciding with the exciting preparations for Bison Days. Mariel and her family are relatively new to the area, having moved to rural Buffalo Center just last fall. Drawn by their love for farm life and a desire to find a place equidistant between their respective families, Mariel and her husband, Eric, embarked on a search for the perfect location. Buffalo Center captured their hearts when they purchased a property that Josh and Dallas Murra previously owned. Their boys, aged 14, 3, and 18 months, now have the opportunity to experience the joys of rural living.

Mariel Wolsing: A diverse array of skills

A versatile and accomplished individual, Mariel brings diverse skills to her role at NIB. With a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in business with a marketing focus, her background is well-suited for community development initiatives. While her initial ambition was to become a park ranger, she adapted to the circumstances and found herself working in public health as a health inspector. She also gained experience in community development in Minnesota. Mariel's arrival in Buffalo Center marks her return to Iowa, where she and Eric first met and began their journey together.

Although Buffalo Center is a smaller community compared to its previous locations, Mariel is enthusiastic about the vibrant atmosphere it offers. Having grown up on a farm near St. Michael, MN, and graduated with a class of around 100 students, she appreciates the tight-knit nature of Buffalo Center . Members of the community  have embraced her with open arms, recognizing her passion and dedication to community development.

NIB, an organization dedicated to the betterment of North Iowa, has not had an executive director since 2020. With activities returning to full swing, NIB is gearing up for the highly anticipated Bison Days celebration, scheduled for July 28-30.

Dedicated to the betterment of North Iowa

Mariel is excited about Bison Days and its opportunity for the community to come together. The event promises many activities, including a parade, a 5K run/walk, a corn hole tournament, games, craft and food vendors, and a community worship service. It is a testament to the community's commitment to fostering a sense of togetherness and offering a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.

In addition to Bison Days, NIB organizes a weekly farmers market at Post Office Park every Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. The market already boasts several enthusiastic vendors and provides a platform for local farmers and artisans to showcase their products. Mariel is impressed by the generosity of individuals volunteering their time and efforts to make NIB events successful.

Looking ahead, Mariel has ambitious plans to introduce new events and initiatives to enrich the Winn-Worth community further. She envisions movie nights in the park, aimed at bringing families and friends together for enjoyable evenings. She also intends to enhance NIB's social media presence, ensuring that the organization effectively communicates with and engages the community.

As Mariel settles into her role as executive director, she can be found at the NIB office Monday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or by appointment. She can be reached at northiowabetterment@gmail.com or at 641-562-2222.

Towards the betterment of the Winn-Worth Region 

Winn-Worth Betco is a regional economic development organization supporting Winnebago & Worth Counties. Our team provides direct support and a high level of service to businesses looking to grow in our region. We work with business owners, site selectors, investors/developers, and entrepreneurs, providing assistance with a full range of business development that includes site selection assistance, workforce recruitment and training, business startup and expansion opportunities, getting approval for development projects, securing incentives, etc. Whatever a business needs - we are here to help! Contact us today!