2023 DCDC Annual Fundraising Gala
On Tuesday, May 23, DCDC held our Annual Fundraising Gala at the new Stables Event Center in Lamoni, Iowa. We had nearly 100 attendees, comprised of local business owners, community leaders, and DCDC supporters. 15 Local businesses donated raffle baskets, totaling over $1,400 in value! The meal was catered by Lizzie Yoder and served by the Decatur County ROCCS students. The meat was purchased with a discount from the Red Barn Meat Market in Lamoni. The evening’s program included;
– a brief introduction of our regional Small Business Development Center by Jamie David
– a brief introduction of the Southern Iowa Council of Governments by Beth Waddle
– a presentation of current DCDC projects by Director Fountain
– a presentation of “years of service” certificates to DCDC board members by President Erb
– a keynote address by Ethan Pitt from the Iowa Area Development Group
– a Decatur County Business of the Year Award- presented by Director Fountain to North Lumber in Leon and Southern Iowa Building Center in Lamoni (Sally Dykes, Tony Dykes, and Cody Lindsey)
Thanks to everyone who made this event possible!
– Stables Event Center, Lydia and Calieb Kistler, Lizzie Yoder, ROCCS Students, Red Barn Meat Market, Chase Clausen, Ethan Pitt, Jamie David, Beth Waddle, Kayla Clausen
THANK YOU to our local businesses who donated raffle baskets: SCIT Theatre, Infinity Health, North Lumber, Southern Iowa Building Center, BTC Bank, Down South Company, Main Street Brick House, Battle Axez, Invinci, Kat Akers (Mary Kay), Graceland University, Delta Metals, Hedge Creek Homestead, Southern Roots/Northside Iron, American State Bank
Fountain Hired as New DCDC Executive Director
The Decatur County Development Corporation is excited to welcome its new Executive Director, Cierra Fountain.
Fountain graduated in 2019 from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Fountain, originally Clark, was born and raised in Decatur County where her childhood years were spent on the family feedlot east of Davis City, later relocating to a farm south of Leon. Cierra graduated from Central Decatur High School. After college, she returned to the area and currently resides in Leon with her husband, Colton.
Fountain is a large supporter and advocate for local businesses. Her passion for community development has been showcased in Decatur County through her participation and involvement in many community events and organizations. Much of her time and efforts have been dedicated to the performing arts in the community.
As a Decatur County native, Fountain has the passion and energy to continue current economic development projects in the county and the motivation to devise creative economic and community development solutions to continue to make Decatur County a great place to live, work, stay, and play.
“Decatur County is my home. It is where I grew up, and where I want my children to grow up. I am passionate about this county and the rural communities that it consists of. Decatur County has presented me so many opportunities, and I’m excited to be able to give back to help the county grow.”
Fountain’s goals are to continue to support local businesses and entrepreneurs and to work on recruiting outside businesses to Decatur County. These goals aim to retain the current population and increase the already high standard of living and quality of life for county residents.
The DCDC main office is located on the east side of the second level of the courthouse. The DCDC office is typically open from 8 am to noon, and 1 pm to 5 pm, but hours may vary based on meetings off site with community members and businesses.
Fountain welcomes any visitors to discuss new ideas, request business and marketing consulting, or just to get to know her! To contact her directly, email Fountain at cfountain@dcdciowa.org. You can also call the office at 641-446-4991 or Fountain’s cell phone at 641-442-6511. Learn more about DCDC at www.dcdciowa.org.
DCDC Seeks New Executive Director
The Decatur County Development Corporation is in search of an Executive Director to manage the non-profit organization to support Economic Development in Decatur County, Iowa. The Director will serve as the COO of the organization, and will be responsible for all day-to-day activities and long term strategy for business retention, business expansion, and business recruitment. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Shannon Erb, Board President, at serb@dcdciowa.org by April 15, 2022.
Job Title: Executive Director of the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC)
Job Description: It is the role of the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) Executive Director to facilitate economic growth for Decatur County, IA by fulfilling the following duties as Chief Operating Officer of the organization:
- Focus on supporting existing businesses in Decatur County with business retention and expansion efforts.
- Develop and apply specific local, regional, and state-wide resource tools to support local business development and recruitment efforts.
- Maintain a strong relationship with the following boards by regularly attending meetings:
- Leon Chamber of Commerce/Development Board
- Lamoni Development Corporation (LDC)
- Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI)
- Leon Chamber of Commerce
- Lamoni Chamber of Commerce
- Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
- Iowa Rural Development Council
- Small Business Development Center
- Rotary Club of Decatur County
- Stay up-to-date on Iowa Area Development Group and Iowa Economic Development Authority programs, projects, and business incentives.
- Maintain and promote DCDC’s Revolving Loan Fund and other RLFs for entrepreneurs and expanding businesses.
- Oversee all financial activity for the organization managed in QuickBooks, and submit payroll taxes to the state on a quarterly basis and federal taxes on a monthly schedule.
- Attend business recruitment events.
- Attend local, regional and state networking events.
- Work closely with the South Central Small Business Development Center.
- Organize monthly Board of Directors meeting and report on monthly activities, financial reports, and current events of the organization.
- Organize annual meeting in January and provide report on the annual success of DCDC.
- Implement on-going training activities for existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Attend and report to City Council Meetings upon the request of Council, or when projects warrant a discussion.
- Direct all marketing efforts of the organization.
- Attend on-going training sessions and seminars regarding economic development endeavors.
- Seek grants and funding to apply towards economic development.
- Lead and assist in community development programs.
- Maintain a healthy relationship with the business community and all residents in Decatur County.
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Decatur County, Iowa
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge and experience in non-profit management preferred.
- Knowledge and experience in Economic or Community Development organizations as a staff member or volunteer preferred.
- Proven track record of building and maintaining partnerships, and networking.
- Self-driven leader with ability to multitask and manage many projects at once.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan, assign, and manage the work of volunteer boards and committees.
- Valid driver’s license, and ability to insure.
- Ability to work with business, community, and governmental leaders effectively.
- Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
- Ability to deal with problems and make sound decisions.
Education: BA/BS Degree plus 3-5 years’ experience in economic or community development preferred but not required.
How To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Shannon Erb, Board President, serb@dcdciowa.org by April 15, 2022.