Michelle Book, interim director of Greene County Development Corporation, introduced herself to the county supervisors at their June 23 meeting and updated them on GCDC activities.
Book was contracted by GCDC in February to assist with the Vision 2030 planning process. She was hired as interim director with the departure of Ken Paxton at the end of May.
She told the supervisors her discussions with community and business leaders relative to Vision 2030 showed a desire for county-wide planning, encompassing all communities. GCDC needs to support local manufacturing and to include community development as part of economic development.
She said she also heard it’s time to “think big.”
Potential projects looked at as part of Vision 2030 are housing of all types, not just affordable housing, but housing for older residents to allow them to vacate their family homes and make them available to younger families. There should be more family and youth activities; more retail businesses and restaurants across the county; and job training like what’s available at the Greene County Career Academy.
Vision 2030 planning has been paused, she said, while GCDC focuses on determining the best organizational model and/or leadership for the future. Possibilities include remaining as it has been for more than 30 years with a sole director; joining forces with another local group such as Jefferson Matters; or joining a regional group such as the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.
“Greene County today is well positioned for success,” Book said, saying that Jefferson Matters receiving a Great America Main Street Award makes the county “a plum ready to be picked.”
She listed “home grown businesses from manufacturing to retail,” the county’s location on Highway 30, proximity to Iowa State University and the proximity of a casino, “great” healthcare, “robust” volunteerism, and a “top notch” educational system.
“There’s a lot of success here. The foundation has been built,” she said. “It’s the right time to think big. What does Greene County want to be not only in the next five years, but in the next 10, 20 years?… What can we do to use this incredible momentum not to continue to propel it forward?”
Book told the supervisors the GCDC board is eager to hear the supervisors’ ideas. County board chair John Muir said that according to Pete Bardole, the board’s representative on the GCDC board, Book “has everybody re-enthused.” Supervisor Dawn Rudolph said she appreciates improved communication coming from GCDC.
