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.

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.

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.

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

Randy Huewe – Co-Treasurer, First National Bank

Monte Neitzel, Co-Treasurer, Greater Regional Health

Francine Ide, Secretary, Ide Farms

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

T.J. Stalker, Stalker Chevrolet

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

Josh Vanderflught, 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

Shannon Harper, Sharper Business Solutions

MaKenzi Vonk, Reflections Beauty

Leslie Wurster, Wurster Farms

Marion James, James Law Office

Rich Paulsen, Creston Publishing Company

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.

Benefactor

First National Bank

Greater Regional Health

Iowa State Savings Bank

Keul Electric, LLC

PCSB Bank

Tyler Insurance Services

Presidential

Alliant Energy

Cornerstone Financial Group

Platinum

Creston Publishing Company

J&A Flooring

RE Lewis Refrigeration

Gold

Agrivision Equipment Group

Carroll Family Chiropractic

James Law Office

KSIB Radio

Wurster Farms, Inc.

Silver

Dr. Michael D. Buck, D.D.S.

Garden & Associates

Gavilon Grain

ITC Midwest

Powers Funeral Home

Stalker Chevrolet

Bronze

Akin Building Center

American Homes by Grant Long, LLC

American Family Insurance - Katie Turner Agent

Community 1st Credit Union

Creston Automotive

Creston Vision Clinic

Dr. Daniel M. Coen, DDS

De Hamer Accounting

Echo Electric Supply

Fenton Construction

Hometown Insurance

Masters Contract Services

Pearson Family Funeral Service

Premier Commercial Services

Southwest Iowa REC

State Savings Bank

Turner Insurance Agency

Vanmark Equipment

Warner Plumbing

Leadership

Athletico Physical Therapy

Ben Adamson - State Farm Insurance

Callahan Real Estate

Create Creston

Edward Jones - Justin Cole

Green Accounting & Tax

Iowa Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.

Kelly's Flowers & Greene Landscaping

Mike Eblen Construction, LLC

Precast Concrete

Sonntag Development, LLC

Stewart Realty

United Farmers Cooperative

Community Partner

Creston Chamber of Commerce

Meet The Staff

Anna Mikkelson
Summer Marketing Coordinator

Anna is a 2022 graduate of Creston Community High School. She learned about UCDA through working through the steps of a start up business, The Crossing, a student ran school pride mobile retail trailer. She also completed the leadership program, Lead UC Youth and has worked on a variety of projects for UCDA through authentic learning opportunities in the Communications and Service Technology (CAST) Classroom.

Anna is serving as the marketing coordinator this summer before she takes her next step in her educational journey, enrolling in Iowa State University. And even though a Hawkeye fan is writing this - we wish her the very best!

Call: 641.782.2003

Write: marketing[at]unioncountyiowa.com

Mindy Stalker

Interim Executive Director

Mindy is the talent development 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.