Melissa Michaelis to Lead Forest City Economic Development; Leaves Lasting Legacy at Winn-Worth Betco

After 12 years of dedicated service and transformational leadership, Melissa Michaelis is stepping down as Executive Director of Winn-Worth Betco to assume the same position at Forest City Economic Development.

Michaelis will begin her new role on Nov. 2, bringing with her a proven record of economic development success, grant writing, business financing, housing advocacy, and regional collaboration. Her departure marks the end of a chapter defined by unprecedented accomplishments and a lasting impact on communities throughout Winnebago and Worth counties.

Michaelis has driven initiatives that strengthened local economies, supported entrepreneurs, and positioned the region for future growth. Among her most significant achievements has been securing nearly $945,000 in grant funding over the past two years. Those grant dollars have supported community development projects, housing projects, and quality-of-life enhancements that might not otherwise have been possible.

"Anyone can point you toward a grant application. Melissa rolled up her sleeves and worked alongside us to make the project successful,” said Erich Stene, recipient of a competitive community catalyst grant. Because of her leadership and ability to secure funding, we were able to move forward with an investment that otherwise would have remained on hold.” 

One of Michaelis' most notable contributions was her unwavering commitment to Iowa's veterans and military families through the Home Base Iowa initiative. Over six years, she worked tirelessly with local officials, community leaders, and volunteers to ensure every community in Winn-Worth Betco's service area was designated a Home Base Iowa community. Through her persistence and leadership, she helped all 14 communities complete the registration process, making the region the first in Iowa to achieve full participation across its service area.

“When I met Melissa, she had a huge goal to get all 14 communities across two counties designated as Home Base Iowa communities,” said Mary Lou Kleveland, Winnebago County Veterans Services Officer. “Designating one community is an achievement, so aiming to designate 14 communities was a significant goal that required determination, coordination, and leadership. She never lost sight of the goal. Her hard work paid off. Because of her work, our region became a statewide example of how communities can come together to support veterans and military families.”

The accomplishment earned Michaelis a unique distinction. In recognition of her efforts, Jamie Norton, Director of Veteran Workforce Services, and Robert J. Haegee III, Home Base Iowa Program Manager, presented her with the first-ever Home Base Iowa Community Champion Award. The award highlighted her commitment to making Winnebago and Worth counties welcoming destinations for veterans and their families while creating stronger communities for all residents. 

Beyond grants and community development initiatives, Michaelis also transformed Winn-Worth Betco's revolving loan fund into a powerful tool for business growth. Under her leadership, the organization successfully revolved its loan fund twice, allowing repaid dollars to be reinvested into additional economic development opportunities.

Winn-Worth Betco has loaned $802,000 to small businesses throughout Winnebago and Worth counties. Since Michaelis became executive director, $449,000 of this has helped entrepreneurs launch new ventures, expand existing operations, create jobs, and invest in their communities.

Her reputation for economic development leadership extends beyond the local level. Michaelis has served as an Advisory Board Member for the Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helping provide insight and guidance to one of the state's most important small business support organizations. In this role, she contributed to conversations about entrepreneurship, business support, and economic growth strategies affecting communities across Iowa.

“Melissa has been a valued partner in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses throughout Winnebago and Worth counties,” said Brook Boehmler, SBDC Regional Director. “I’ve seen firsthand her commitment to helping businesses find resources, overcome challenges, and create opportunities in the communities she serves. Through her service on both the local and state SBDC advisory boards, Melissa has demonstrated her passion for rural economic development and her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs. Her strategic thinking and genuine commitment to people will serve Forest City well.”

Added Dawn Arispe, Leland City Clerk: “Melissa has always believed that rural communities deserve the same opportunities as larger cities. Her dedication to economic growth, housing, business development, workforce initiatives, and regional cooperation has left a lasting mark on both counties.”

As she transitions into her new leadership role with Forest City Economic Development, Michaelis will continue her mission of fostering economic growth and community vitality. Her experience working with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations is expected to serve Forest City well as it pursues new investment and expansion opportunities.

“I am incredibly grateful for the chance to serve Winnebago and Worth counties,” Michaelis said. “The relationships I've built, the projects we've completed, and the successes we've celebrated together have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my career. While it is difficult to leave, I am excited for the opportunity to serve Forest City and help continue its economic development momentum.”

Though Michaelis is moving on to a new opportunity, her legacy at Winn-Worth Betco will remain evident in the businesses that received financing, the nearly $1 million in grant funding brought to the region, the successful completion of Home Base Iowa designation in all 14 communities, and the countless partnerships she helped create across North Iowa.

Her leadership has shown what persistence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to rural Iowa can accomplish. As she begins her new role in Forest City, communities throughout Winnebago and Worth counties celebrate her accomplishments and wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career. She leaves behind more than a list of projects and accomplishments. It is a stronger regional economy, expanded opportunities for small businesses, increased support for veterans, and a foundation future generations can build on.