About

The organization originated with the Creston Development Company (CDC) which was founded in the 1950's. The CDC helped bring about the expansion of several industries in Creston. Many of our existing industries accredit their start or expansion to the efforts of this group. The members of this group sensed a need for stronger countywide efforts and secured UNI's Institute of Decision Making to help organize the planning and development process. The result of this process is Union County Development Association (UCDA). The focus of this organization expanded from new industry recruitment to business and industry retention, retail recruitment and retention, housing initiatives and tourism.

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UCDA is a non-profit [501(c)6] developmental association which has served Union County since 1997. Funding for this organization comes from both public and private funding. The Public Funding Council consists of The City of Afton, City of Creston and The Union County Board of Supervisors (18% of the budget). Program revenue accounts for 9% of the funding, revenue generating assets account for 54% of the budget and 3% is made of grants, interest and other income. Lastly, approximately 18% is leveraged by Private Investors. This category consists of individuals or businesses that are eager to support the growth and development of Union County.

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Board of Trustees

UCDA relies on engaged board members for continued success of the organization. Board members serve on one of the four committees that have been identified as important factors for economic and community development. These four categories rely on each other for success. For instance, if you want to encourage a start up business or attract quality workforce, you need attainable housing, attractions and entertainment to help make it easy for individuals to CHOOSE UC! We are passionate and committed to work with these areas of focus to make Union County the obvious choice for individuals at all stages of life.

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If you would like to be more involved in the development of UC, consider joining our board!

2022 Board of Trustees

Kevin Stewart - President, Iowa State Savings Bank

Devon Tyler-Leith – Vice President, Tyler Insurance Services

Chad Rieck, Vice President, KSIB Radio

Monte Neitzel, Treasurer, Greater Regional Health

Francine Ide, Secretary, Ide Farms

Paul Fuller – Past President, PCSB Bank
Melissa Driskell, Premier Builders
Scott Coen, State Savings Bank

Mike Moffitt, Cornerstone Financial Group

Jean Weisshaar, Create Creston

Jamie David, Precast Concrete

2022 Public Funding Members

Gabe Carroll, Mayor, City of Creston
Rick Friday, Union County Supervisor

Education Partners

Tim Kuehl, East Union Community School District
Deron Stender, Creston Community School District

2022 Ex-Officio Members

Austin Smith, Garden & Associates, LTD
Wayne Hanson, RE Lewis Refrigeration

David Marroquin, RE Lewis Refrigeration
Ben Adamson, State Farm Insurance

Kathy Ralston, Community Member

MaKenzi Vonk, Reflections Beauty

Leslie Wurster, Wurster Farms

Marion James, James Law Office

Maggie McGehee, City of Cromwell

Chad Malmanger, City of Lorimor

Investors

Investing in UCDA is investing in Union County's future. Our investors pledge to UCDA to fund the ability to implement our three year vision plan.

It is with sincere appreciation that we take a moment to highlight the businesses and organizations that support our efforts, our goals and our vision for community development. Because of this support, we anticipate another three years of progress and enhanced partnerships.

Meet The Staff

Mindy is the interim executive director for UCDA and loves all things that connect our communities.  She leads individual and group collaboration pertaining to workforce and leadership development, as well as, creative placemaking opportunities. 

She is also the chaos coordinator for her two children, CT and Marlee and occasionally her husband, TJ too. She and her family enjoy cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and camping when their schedules allow. 

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Call: 641.782.2003

Text: 641.344.1993

Write: director[at]unioncountyiowa.com

Chloe is the client services & marketing coordinator for UCDA. She handles our marketing and communications efforts. Chloe graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with her degree in Marketing. She grew up in Corning, Iowa and has always enjoyed being involved in her community. Chloe is Lead UC class of 2023 student.

Chloe stays busy with her almost one year old daughter, Ellie. We are an office divided as Chloe is an Iowa State Cyclones fan.

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Call: 641.782.2003

Write: marketing[at]unioncountyiowa.com