Recognizing Distinguished Leadership

The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), in collaboration with its Rural Electric Cooperative partners, proudly honored three Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Awards at a luncheon held in conjunction with the annual meetings of Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative.

One of the honorees of this legacy award is Iowa Central Community College, nominated by Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.

Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) has been honored with the prestigious Iowa Venture Award for Distinguished Leadership, recognizing their outstanding commitment to community development and workforce enhancement. The award celebrates ICCC’s visionary leadership in the construction of a $10 million state-of-the-art, 24,000 square foot learning center in Storm Lake.

Established in 1966, ICCC has grown to serve communities across Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, and Webster City, with five locations dedicated to providing high-quality education and training. The new Storm Lake learning center represents a significant milestone in ICCC’s mission to streamline services and resources for the community. The project, which began four years ago with an analysis of ICCC’s operational efficiencies, aimed to consolidate four separate locations in Storm Lake into a unified, modern facility. Recognizing the financial challenges, ICCC partnered with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, whose Board of Directors sponsored two successful applications to the USDA Rural Development Grant and Loan Program, securing a total of $2.335 million in funding.

The new learning center now serves as a dynamic hub for education and workforce development. Notably, the center houses ICCC’s advanced nursing program, featuring cutting-edge Anatomage tables that provide 3D dissection simulations, enhancing students’ understanding of anatomy and physiology. During the day, the facility also functions as a career academy for high school students, while evenings are dedicated to adult literacy programs, including HiSET and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Future plans for the facility include the expansion of welding and electrical programs.

Ryan Craig, President/CEO of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, expressed his congratulations, stating, “On behalf of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, our staff, and board of directors, congratulations to Doctors Mentzer and Ulrich on this outstanding achievement. We are proud to partner with Iowa Area Development Group and Iowa Central Community College to help shape the minds and strengthen Iowa’s workforce for years to come.”

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative sponsored ICCC for the Venture Award due to their exemplary leadership in identifying and addressing the community’s need for enhanced training programs. Their efforts are crucial in supporting local businesses by providing a skilled workforce.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and vision of Iowa Central Community College,” said Bruce Nuzum, President/CEO of Iowa Area Development Group. “Their commitment to innovation and community development is truly commendable.”

This year marks the 36th year that IADG has presented Iowa Venture Awards to individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition of their significant contributions to Iowa’s economy through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and the creation of job opportunities. To date, 293 entities have received the Iowa Venture Award.