STUART – After a thorough search and interview process, Sarah Gomez has been named executive director of Midwest Partnership Economic Development Corporation (EDC). This represents a promotion for Gomez who has served as economic development coordinator and, most recently, interim executive director, playing a role in the organization since 2009.
“Sarah knows our organization inside and out,” said Warren Varley, president of the Midwest Partnership EDC board. “She knows the region, its businesses and all of the key players. Sarah is highly regarded in the development community and I am excited to see where she will lead Midwest Partnership in fostering economic growth and development in our region.”
Originally from Greene County, Gomez joined Midwest Partnership in a support role after serving as city clerk for Rippey. She holds a bachelor of science in accounting from AIB College of Business and has experience in business and accounting roles prior to her time with Midwest Partnership. Gomez has been instrumental in the region’s partnership in the entrepreneurship development project through the University of Northern Iowa and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to aggressively continue the groundwork of our team over the last several years in the region,” said Gomez. “We have landed several successful expansions and projects and stirred conversation in many of our communities about small business and entrepreneurship. I’m excited to take the reins and work in collaboration with our communities and the board to continue to help our region’s growth.”
The team at Midwest Partnership has coordinated and assisted in several successful projects and expansions in the region in the last year including:
- Expansion at Scranton Manufacturing which broke ground in May 2014 which will result in 75 new jobs and secured the 2014 Professional Developers of Iowa Business Retention and Expansion Award for Midwest Partnership
- Assisted Greene County Development Corporation in solidifying support for the Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson, which will result in 275 new jobs
- Midwest Partnership EDC established a five-year partnership for a regional entrepreneurship development project, made possible by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and two programs of UNI’s Business & Community Services – MyEntre.Net & The Institute of Decision Making.
About Midwest Partnership: Midwest Partnership EDC represents Adair, Audubon, Greene and Guthrie counties in Iowa and is the region’s leading facilitator for the retention, expansion and attraction of business to create jobs and grow the tax base. For more information, visit midwestpartnership.com
