After a series of taste tests and examinations, the winner of the Great American Water Taste Test was announced on February 9 at the 2011 National Rural Water Association Rally in Washington, D.C. Central Iowa Water Association won the gold medal award and title of the best tasting rural water in the USA. Silver medal went [...]
Winter Fun: Indulge all five senses with these Tama County holiday activities
There’s no better place to welcome the winter season than our warm, hospitable communities. The smell of pine trees is in the air and if you listen closely, you might hear some jingle bells. Our main streets are all decked out with holiday decorations. Mmmmm, can’t you just taste the hot cocoa? Come join us . [...]
Industry Update: Commission Breaks Bread with Tama County Farmers
Tama County, Iowa has a core competency in agriculture. Contributing factors include having Tama soil which is one of the most fertile soil types in world, combined with having one of the strongest multi-generational transfer of farming skills. Recognizing the importance and ongoing changes of the industry, the Commission sat down with Tama County ag [...]
Best of Tama County curbside appeal: Who was behind standout improvements launched over the past 3 years?
Without exception, each of Tama County’s towns invested in curbside appeal over the past 3 years. City Councils, nonprofits, businesses, residents and others were all examples of the catalysts that transformed the face of our towns. At the August Commission Roundtable we discussed the resources and skills that made these developments possible, as well as [...]
Housing Trust Fund Update: Local agencies pledge $17K and inter-disciplinary approach to healthy housing solutions
During the summer of 2010, the Region 6 Housing Trust Fund received requests for support for almost 50 Tama County residents. Current resources are not enough to fund every qualifying request for increased safety and health, but market intelligence gained through the process is helping us understand the need and barriers increasingly better to drive [...]
Great Places Update: Tama County wins $87,000+ I-JOBS Investment Grant
The Governor’s Office formally announced yesterday that out of 25 Iowa Great Places projects, four Tama County projects will receive a total of $87,163 during its first year cycle. The grants are funded through the I-JOBS program, which is designed to create and retain jobs, rebuild communities, invest in Iowa’s infrastructure and promote long-term economic growth. [...]
New Strategic Investment Plan unveiled for a better future of Tama County, Iowa
Economic development organizations do not get featured in the limelight every time new jobs, new capital investment, and increased efficiency happen, but Tama County Economic Development Commission’s investments, influence and innovative approach make real improvements and help unlock Tama County, Iowa’s potential. The Commission works in partnership with any organization or individual that can use [...]
Grants Update: Do you have ideas for making Tama County even more beautiful?
“What a beautiful small town. I can see that the people who live here care about this place. So tell me about the workforce availability…” Traer Manufacturing prospect, 2009 This would be one example of what we hear from prospects (who are considering investing millions of dollars into our economy) when we visit industrial building [...]
Foundation Update: 40 Nonprofits to make $2.9M direct economic impact
A Foundation is a different kind of organization. It does not put out fires. It does not rescue animals. Nor does it educate young people on how to use new technology. However, it does create and grow financial resources in perpetuity to help nonprofits fulfill community needs. In 2010 $95K was awarded to 40 community organizations/projects [...]


