As the Marshall Economic Development Impact Committee nears the end of its five-year budget and begins anew in June, the organization is looking forward to economic growth Marshalltown may see in the upcoming year.
I'm optimistic about the future," said President Joel Akason. "I think we're going to be positioned well and our infrastructure remains strong."
Both the city and county invest a combined $100,000 annually toward area development. As well, businesses and individuals help fund their campaign.
"We [have] money earmarked for marketing or business assistance," he said.
Several economic projects are in the works, including the JBS expansion which is slated for ground breaking by summer.
"In a couple of weeks, the VA Clinic should be open," he said. "Very impressive - they did a nice job."
Akason said Fisher Controls is contemplating a grand opening in May for their downtown research and development facility.
"I toured that about three weeks ago and it's amazing," Akason said.
Mechdyne Corporation is looking at structural and capital improvements totaling $2.45 million which will add ten new employment positions after the project is completed.
Akason said in November 2009 that Menards, located at 2500 S. Center St., is considering a new location for expansion of its current store.
However, he wouldn't elaborate specifically but said there are three other local companies MEDIC is working with that could direct some positive opportunities to the area.
"One is currently buying up some of their competition for when this economy rebounds," he said. "They should see some significant growth."
And as the city has had the number-one rated water in the state two years running, he said that is why "the food industry continues to take a look at Marshalltown."
Working with entrepreneurs is advantageous for the area, Akason said, and there are also business-assistance funds that can help individuals wanting to take on their own operations.
For more information, contact Joel Akason at 641-753-6645.
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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com
