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 corporation 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!

2021 Board of Trustees

Paul Fuller – President, PCSB Bank

Kevin Stewart - Vice President, Iowa State Savings Bank

Monte Neitzel, Vice President, Greater Regional Health

Mike Moffitt– Past President, Cornerstone Financial Group

Devon Tyler-Leith – Secretary, Tyler Insurance Services

Randy Huewe – Treasurer, First National Bank
Marion James, James Law Office
Rich Paulsen, Creston Publishing Company
Melissa Driskell, Winterstien Construction
Scott Coen, State Savings Bank
Leslie Wurster, Wurster Farms

T.J. Stalker, Stalker Chevrolet

Chad Rieck, KSIB Radio

Jean Weisshaar, Create Creston

Jamie David, Precast Concrete

2021 Public Funding Members

Gabe Carroll, Mayor, City of Creston

Maggie McGehee, City of Cromwell

Chad Malmanger, City of Lorimor

Francine Ide, City of Shannon City
Rick Friday, Union County Supervisor

Education Partners

Josh Vanderflught, East Union Community School District
Deron Stender, Creston Community School District

2021 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

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.

Investors are true leaders setting a path for Union County's future.

Public Partners

City of Creston - City of Cromwell - City of Lorimor - City of Shannon City

Union County Board of Supervisors

Benefactor Investors

First National Bank - Greater Regional Health - Iowa State Savings Bank - Keul Electric, LLC - PCSB Bank - Tyler Insurance Services

Presidential Investors

Alliant Energy - Grapevine Staffing

Platinum Investors

Cornerstone Financial Group - Creston Publishing Company - J & A Flooring, Inc. - KSIB Radio - R.E. Lewis Refrigeration - Wellman Dynamics - Wurster Farms, Inc.

Gold Investors

Dr. Daniel M. Coen, D.D.S - Garden & Associates, LTD - Hy-Vee Food Stores – Creston

Silver Investors

Akin Building Center - Agrivision Equipment Group, LLC - Creston Automotive - Creston Vision Clinic - De Hamer Accounting Services

Dr. Michael Buck, DDS - Echo Group, Inc. - Edward Jones - Justin R. Cole - Fenton Construction - Gavilon Grain, LLC

Great Western Bank - ITC Midwest - James Law Office - Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center - Powers Funeral Home - Reflections Beauty & Tanning Salon

Stalker Chevrolet - State Savings Bank - Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative

Vanmark Equipment, LLC

Bronze Investors

American Homes by Grant Long - Athletico Physical Therapy - Ben Adamson State Farm Insurance - Carroll Family Chiropractic

Family Vision Center - Green Accounting & Tax, LLC - Hometown Insurance & Realty - Kelly's Flowers and Greene Landscaping

Nishna Valley Credit Union - OmniTel Communications - Stewart Realty - Turner Insurance Agency

Winterstien Construction - Warner Plumbing, LLC

Leadership Investors

Brad Davis Painting - Callahan Real Estate - Create Creston - Creston Chamber of Commerce - Iowa Tool & Mfg, Inc. - Mike Eblen Construction

Precast Concrete Company, LLC - United Farmers Cooperative - Vonk Flooring & Tile

Meet The Staff

Wayne J. Pantini, CEcD

Executive Director

Wayne has been working in economic development since 2005. He reels in growth opportunities for Union County, encourages existing business expansion and nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit in those that aspire to start their own business. Wayne also facilitates housing development as opportunities arise.

Wayne and his wife, Deb, have two children, Sydney and Emma. Wayne is an avid Twins and Vikings fan and prides himself on his outdoor survival skills from his days as a Scout leader.

Call: 641.782.2003

Text: 641.344.9725

Write: director[at]unioncountyiowa.com

Mindy Stalker

Talent Development 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.