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.
Call: 641.782.2003
Text: 641.344.1993
Write: director[at]unioncountyiowa.com