This is the first time that two groups that should theoretically be competing against each other were nominated together because both are deploying very proactive marketing strategies to communicate the assets of Tama County outside the county with the goal of growing the economy by bringing dollars into our communities. Traer’s marketing portfolio includes programs like [...]
2011 EDIES Story 14 of 24: Meskwaki Tribe Opens the Door to Sharing Their Culture with the Outside World
For decades the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki) have kept their culture private. You could catch glimpses at the annual Pow Wow festival or a few panels on display in the lobby at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. But in 2011 the Meskwaki Museum formally opened at the Tribal Headquarters campus under the [...]
Tama County’s American Idols: which 2011 stories inspire you?
Share with us which of our 24 EDIE nominees’ stories from 2011 are your favorites. Every 2-3 days in January and February we unveil the details behind another one of the 2011 nominees. And now that we have reached the way mark the lines are open to start voting. Partners who are financially invested in Tama County [...]
2011 EDIES Story 13 of 24: Tama County’s “The Other White Meat” spreads their marketing wings
It’s not really a party until the Tama County Pork Producers roll in with their pimped out trailer and crew of about 25 to grill for thousands of people. And if you have not seen them, it’s probably because you are not getting out enough. Apart from smaller hometown festivals they also appear at some big [...]
Foundation Update: Up to $93K available in county grants. Grant writing workshop, Jan. 28. Grant deadline, March15
Over the past five years the Tama County Community Foundation has invested over half a million dollars into betterment of our community, and leveraged those dollars to bring in millions more. In 2012 our Foundation will once again invest between $86,532.88 and $92,619 into nonprofits, governments and schools serving Tama County with a plan of strengthening our [...]
Executive Director moves forward
Dear Tama County Stakeholders and friends: Just like Tama County Economic Development’s first economic developer dedicated about five years to Tama County, I have also committed half decade in service to you. We stood together through challenges, natural and man made disasters. Together we have survived floods, winter storms, straightline wind storms, through manufacturing plant closings, a national recession. [...]
Fun Update: Wheels are turning on the next Murder Mystery Dinner. Join us in Dysart, Jan 21.
The 1929 real world murder of Scott Rouse at Whiskey Bottom had never been solved. But last year over 120 people came together at Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center in rural Montour and assumed a unique character from the Tama County history books to piece together the originally scripted mystery with secrets to protect [...]
Storm Update: Straight-line wind storm survivors share practical wisdom on insurance policies and rebuilding after a natural disaster, Oct 25
By the time President Obama signed the major disaster declaration for Tama County, Iowa (6 weeks after of the July 11, 2011 straight-line wind storm hit) insurance companies had already paid out a record $6+ million into our local economy. Now, three months later, many stakeholders continue to work on ways to rebuild better, stronger [...]
Quarterly Newsletter: How is the demand on workers’ skills changing in Tama County, Iowa?
In the decade ending 2018 there will be 47 million job openings. Nearly half will require an associate’s degree. The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce. One year ago Tama County employers emerging from the recession spoke up and articulated their need for skilled workers. They were very clear on the necessary skills that [...]


