LCEDG hits $1.4 million in capital campaign

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BY CHUCK VANDENBERG

PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - The Lee County Economic Development Group fed about 20 people breakfast Wednesday morning and updated them on how a recent fundraising campaign had shaken out.

Dennis Fraise, Chief Operating Officer, told those in attendance the group's second five-year fundraising campaign has surpassed the $1.4 million mark.

The campaign generates operating funds for the LCEDG through 2023. The funds are a combination of private and public contributions.

The cities of Keokuk and Fort Madison are currently contributing $25,000 each annually and Lee County Supervisors add another $200,000 annually. All three entities have reduced contributions in the past two years.

"We currently have 52 investors and we've seen $394,000 in new contributions to this campaign," Fraise said.

Dana Millard, the group's Economic Development Project Developer said the group is fully involved in helping existing businesses, attracting new business, and trying to fill skills gaps that have county manufacturers looking for employees.

"We're working hard to help create a pipeline of employees and remove the bottlenecks that are present now," she said.

She presented a chart that showed in 2013 45 students participated in STEM and career-oriented programming by LCEDG in partnership with other regional economic development groups and area industries.

"Last year that had grown to 3,797 and this year we're shooting for 4,000. We're about half way through this year's programs and we've had 2,150 kids participate," she said.

Fraise said the Bridges out of Poverty program that is building steam in Lee County will be another way to help remove some of the hurdles facing the county, which is third in the state in generational poverty.

He said the workforce situation continues to be an obstacle and it takes everyone to get the ball rolling.

"These next 10 years could be the most challenging as far as workforce, that we've seen," he said.

Dr. Michael Ash, president of Southeastern Community College, said efforts need to be enhanced to create a shorter path to trade certifications. He said the college will continue to work with LCEDG and its partners and area educators to try to figure out what that looks like.

"We need to focus on certifications that aren't just a piece of paper, but are recognized nationally," he said.

Campaign, fort madison, iowa, lee county economic development group, news, Pen City Current

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