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Planning/Economic Development
Economic Development Study
Webster County, Iowa
 Webster County and Fort Dodge, Iowa, are experiencing growth due to the boom in biofuels. More than $1 billion will be invested in two new ethanol plants and a wet corn mill in the county, with many more facilities nearby. Webster County is seeking to take advantage of this investment to spur additional growth.
Services provided included primary sector company research, an industry targeting study, and venture capital study for the county's development corporation. The project team identified existing industry concentrations including pet care products, gypsum products, and biotechnology. In addition, our analysis pointed to an untapped work force with skills suited to business support services.
Based on existing industry capacity, community resources, and work force capabilities, 32 potential industries were identified for attraction to the county. These were then evaluated based upon their potential for growth and their employees’ wage scales to identify the prospects that would have the greatest economic impact.
During the research, the team noted that many local companies were experiencing difficulty recruiting and retaining employees in highly skilled positions. There is a perception that the local quality of life is not attractive to these workers, many of whom live outside of the community. The project team is following up the study with a survey of workers in these technical positions, to determine the extent of any concern, and to identify issues which may be addressed by the community.
In 2007 the project team moved into a second phase of the project - providing a master plan for the Northcentral Iowa Agricultural Park. Utilizing the firm's planning and civil engineering capabilities, the team will provide designs for this rail-served industrial park, which is targeted to agricultural-based and biotechnology businesses.
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