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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