Hancock County Economic Development Corporation

05/29/2026

Economic development is strengthened when local businesses have opportunities to share their stories and perspectives with policymakers.
Thank you to Chuck Grassley for taking time to visit Hancock County today and tour Stellar Industries. It was a valuable opportunity to highlight the important role manufacturing, workforce development, and rural communities play in Iowa's economy.

05/29/2026

This would be worth checking out!

Hopefully everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! It’s officially the start of SUMMER, and you know what that means — Farmers Market season is here! ☀️🌽🍓

Just 1 week from yesterday is our first market of the season, and we already have many great vendors signed up! Come check out fresh produce, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, and so much more at our June 2nd market.

Plus, enjoy:
🎶 Live music
🍷 Wine slushies
🥪 All About Cheesesteaks serving food

📍 City Park
📅 June 2
⏰ 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Tell your friends, bring your lawn chairs, and let’s all enjoy a great evening together in Kanawha!

05/29/2026

Now this is something you won't see everyday! Who do you think will rise above the competition???

The Garner Chamber is bringing the heat to Duesey Days with our first-ever BARREL RACE ZERO TURN & LAWN CARE OLYMPICS! 🌱🏁

Watch local lawn care pros battle it out in:
🚜 Zero Turn Barrel Racing
💪 Lawn Care Challenges
🏆 Bragging Rights Competitions
🎉 Family-Friendly Fun

📅 Saturday, July 11th
📍 Garner, Iowa

This event is all about highlighting the amazing lawn care businesses and operators in our area while giving the community something FUN and unforgettable to watch!

A HUGE thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible:
👏 North Iowa Turf & Irrigation
👏 Barickman Snow & Lawn Care
👏 K2 Enterprise
👏 MJ Otto Lawn Care
👏 Malek’s Complete Lawn, Tree & Crane Service

Bring your lawn chairs, bring your crew, and come cheer on the competitors during Duesey Days!

05/29/2026

We were honored to welcome Director Debi Durham- the Director of both the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) to GC4 Daycare yesterday to see firsthand the progress of this incredible regional childcare project!

GC4 new expanded facility supports working families, employers, and the future growth of our communities.

During the visit, the children shared heartfelt handmade thank-you notes with Debi in appreciation for the support that helped make this project possible.

This project received a $1.8 million Child Care Business Incentive (CCBI) matching grant from the State of Iowa and has also been made possible through the generosity, partnerships, and belief of many individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations throughout our region.

Projects like GC4 show what can happen when communities, state partners, and local supporters work together toward a common goal. Childcare is critical infrastructure for rural Iowa, and we are excited to continue moving this project forward for the families of today and tomorrow.

05/28/2026

Kicking off the 2026 HCEDC Internship Program this morning with 36 amazing interns that are interning at business across Hancock County!
Today’s session, “Success Through Professionalism,” is all about helping interns build confidence, communication skills, workplace professionalism, and connections that will help them succeed far beyond this summer.
We are excited to connect students with local businesses, Hancock County communities, organizations, mentors, and career opportunities right here in rural Iowa.
The future workforce is sitting in this room and the future looks bright.
A huge thank you to our interns, supervisors, and presenter Brenda Clark Hamilton for helping launch another great year of growth, learning, and opportunity!

05/18/2026

There is something underrated about women getting together in small rural communities.

Ladies nights at the golf course, women’s associations, and local groups are about a lot more than golf or events. They are about friendships, conversations, laughing, slowing down for a couple hours, and taking time for yourself.

In communities like ours, life gets busy. Work, family, volunteering, running kids around, caregiving, community involvement — it never really stops. Sometimes we forget that we need connection too.

And honestly, this time of year in Iowa is hard to beat. Beautiful evenings, fresh air, green grass, and good company can do a lot for a person after a long day.

You do not need to be a golfer. You do not need to know everyone. You do not need to be “good” at it.

Just show up.

Some of the best friendships, networking, support systems, and memories start with simply saying yes to something local.

Support your local golf courses. Join the women’s groups. Meet new people. Take your time. Relax a little.

Community is built in moments exactly like that.

05/17/2026

Last week I attended the Community Venture Network event in Lakeville, MN representing Hancock County and using the opportunity to build new business relationships and connections.

Economic development is not just about reacting to opportunities — it is about proactively being in the room, having conversations, and building relationships before projects ever happen. Rural communities must continue telling their story, creating visibility, and positioning themselves for business attraction and future growth.

Great conversations, valuable connections, and important insight that can help shape future opportunities for Hancock County.

05/08/2026

EMS personnel, mark your calendars - more details to come!

05/08/2026

Build the skills needed for a career as a wind technician. NIACC’s CLIMB READY Wind Technician Program provides hands-on training in safety practices, mechanical and electrical systems, bolt tightening, and hydraulics. Students also earn industry certifications including NFPA 70E Low Voltage Qualified, HSI First Aid CPR AED, and the GWO BST Certificate. The next cohort begins June 29, 2026.

Register here: https://na2.hubs.ly/H04hnG70

05/08/2026

Congratulations neighbor!

A full circle moment! On Tuesday, April 21, Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director of Winn-Worth Betco, was surprised with the very first Home Base Iowa Community Champion Award. Congratulations! https://rebrand.ly/mpxbs7o