Carroll Magazine

The 2009 edition of the Carroll Magazine will be released in December of this year. The magazine is published through a partnership with the Daily Times Herald, Stone Printing & Office Supply and Chamber member businesses. Because of this partnership, the Carroll Magazine has proven to be a unique first-class publication. When you are contacted about advertising in the magazine this year, please consider placing an ad in this outstanding publication that will benefit you and your community. Thank you.

Rock & Ride 2009

The Carroll Cycle Center will host Rock & Ride 2009 on Saturday, May 30th. Bands will be playing from 1:00 - 10:00 pm ($5 cover charge). The store will be open from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm; there will be demos and other activities. The Carroll Chamber of Commerce will run the Beer Garden from 12:00 - 11:00 pm. The Chamber appreciates the opportunity to be involved with this fundraiser as proceeds will be used for projects. Thank you Terry.

Indiana Figures Out Workforce/Economic Development Link

At the Mid America Economic Development Council Best Practices Conference in Indianapolis this week, I attended a number of very interesting presentations on workforce development. One project in Southeast Indiana would be good to replicate in Iowa - Economic Opportunities through Education 2015 (EcO15).


EcO15 will invest $38 million in grant funds awarded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. with a goal of allowing each citizen in the 10-county region to move up at least one level in their training, education , and/or job placement within the region's three strongest economic clusters: Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Tourism.

Sure, $38 million is a chunk of change. But some of the things they are doing are pretty easy to replicate. Measureable goals include:

• Increase enrollment in Advanced Manufacturing, Healtcare, and Tourism Programs
• Increase enrollment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Increase Graduation Rates
• Increase Job Placement
• Increase Resident's income levels.

"It's All Relative"

This is old news for a blog post, but it was in my stack and I want to share...

An article in the April 16, 2009 edition of The Economist named, "It's All Relative" .

Iowa Attracts Wind Energy Manufacturers

Take a look at the above map illustrating new wind energy component manufacturers in the U.S. and the high concentration of companies locating in Iowa. In 2008, two-thirds of all components for wind turbines were made in the U.S. In 2010, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) projects that 50% of all components manufactured will be in the U.S. The Iowa Department of Economic Development is positioning our state to attract companies throughout the wind energy manufacturing supply chain. To follow this subject, check the Chamber Blog label, "Wind Energy in Iowa".

Ag Scholarship Winners

The Carroll Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce two recipients of the Carroll County Agricultural Scholarships: Joel Pudenz, a Carroll High School Senior, will be attending Iowa State University studying Agricultural Business and Economics and Ryan Schroeder, a Coon Rapids-Bayard High School Senior, will be attending Iowa State University studying Agricultural Systems Technology. Congratulations to both winners and best of luck in your future endeavors.

Carroll - it's All here Business Spotlight

The Carroll Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a joint image marketing campaign with Carroll Broadcasting Co and the Daily Times Herald. The Business Spotlight campaign offers Chamber member businesses a great marketing package through both medias. Call the Chamber to sign up (712-792-4383).
The campaign begins June 8th.

Mark Your Calendar for Hoop It Up 2010

Mark your calendar for February 27 & 28, 2010 for the next Hoop It Up youth basketball tournament in Carroll. Over 60 teams had a great time at the 2009 tournament and the committee is excited about planning a bigger and better tourney for 2010. Hope to see you there!

Legislative Wrap Up

The final Legislative Forum for 2009 Legislative Session will be held on May 28, 2009, at the Iowa State Extension Office in Carroll beginning at 6:30 pm. We invite you to come and listen to Representative Rod Roberts and Senator Steve Kettering give a recap of General Assembly.