Infrastructure improvements fuel economic growth by creating business-ready communities
3 Apr 2025
News, 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 development organizations like Winn-Worth Betco to attract businesses to the region.
How Alliant Energy invests in communities
Alliant Energy consistently received industry recognition for its community partnerships, including multiple awards as the top utility in economic development from Site Selection Magazine. These awards highlight contributions to business development and job creation – efforts often spearheaded by key account managers in a local market. Chad Hansen serves as the key account manager in Winn-Worth Betco’s region and views strong relationships with local entities as the cornerstone for growth.
“We’re always actively looking at different avenues to see what businesses we can bring into the area or what businesses are a good fit,” Hansen explained.
When RFIs, or requests for information, are received from site selectors or the state, Alliant Energy steps in to assess where they can supply power or gas needs and what would fit within the community.
Economic growth and infrastructure development
Providing timely infrastructure upgrades contributes to new economic growth while creating resiliency for existing customers, including business customers. One example is ongoing work in Northwood, Worth County.
“We’re constantly upgrading with underground services, so we can be more resilient with less outages,” Hansen explained.
“That will help with customer and business rates, and hopefully, drive economic development and bring in businesses looking at Iowa and, specifically, in the Winn-Worth Betco region.”
Other upgrades recently completed in Worth County include a substation serving the rail terminal at Manly, a project with the option for build-outs based on future demands.
The impact of resiliency on growth
Creating resiliency is key for attracting businesses with diverse power needs requiring consistent service levels. Alliant Energy generates power and utilizes transmission provider ITC Holdings for delivery. ITC is currently updating and modernizing its grid as Alliant also completes improvements. Existing industries, such as biofuels, rely on a steady power feed for production, and a reliable supply is crucial for attracting additional high-demand industries. Upgrades and relocation of transmission infrastructure to underground distribution lines to preserve power in severe weather and other events, keeping businesses and essential services online.
Which infrastructure improvements bring in industry?
From a utility perspective, Hansen reports project scope determines the infrastructure needs most important to site selectors. However, updated grids for distribution and transmission are frequently the main factor with gas service as a secondary consideration based on the industry.
“It’s always ‘Is the power available? Is the grid updated? or Can it be updated in a short amount of time?’” Hansen said, noting companies need to know the projected build-out time and if their timelines can be met – an undertaking requiring collaboration with entities like Winn-Worth Betco as well as the operations team at Alliant Energy.
“Working with our team, we work hard to make sure all those timelines are met,” Hansen added.
Additional investments
While improving local infrastructure for economic development, service providers often contribute to communities in other ways. Alliant Energy has provided funding to workforce development studies to help strengthen community colleges and has partnered on an upcoming housing conference to support housing development in the region. Each is an effort to further support the region and attract new businesses.
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The partnership with Winn-Worth Betco has flourished over the years. Melissa's camaraderie, knowledge, and willingness to share ideas and support other areas have significantly strengthened this collaboration. Winn-Worth Betco has been instrumental in our region’s success. Their proactive approach to business development and their extensive network of industry contacts have opened doors we never thought possible within the region. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.
— Jill Kramer, Hancock County Economic Development
Our partnership with Winn-Worth Betco has been incredibly beneficial. Their expertise and dedication to supporting local businesses have helped us navigate challenges and seize new opportunities throughout the region. I highly recommend Winn-Worth Betco’s services for any company looking to grow and expand in this region.
— Mary Ambsbaugh, Franklin County Economic Development Association
I have had the pleasure of working with Melissa Michaelis, Director of Winn-Worth Betco for almost two years now. She is an extremely dedicated, hard-working, highly organized, and passionate advocate for the community. She continues to ensure that the community continues to grow and thrive. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious!
— Sara Cook, Business Engagement Consultant, Iowa Workforce Development
