Storm Lake got a fast‑paced look at its regional economy this week — and the message was clear: momentum is building, and some of it is happening right here at home.
The city council heard a quarterly update Monday night from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. No action was taken, but the briefing offered a wide‑ranging snapshot of workforce initiatives, business recruitment and several Storm Lake‑specific projects now in motion. Corridor President and CEO Curt Strouth opened by thanking the city for its partnership and noting Storm Lake’s representation on the Corridor board.
Strouth highlighted an upcoming Corridor Connections Leadership Panel in Spencer on Wednesday, featuring Storm Lake Community School District Superintendent Dr. Stacey Cole, and noted that another Corridor Connect event is already scheduled in Storm Lake for Nov. 5 at King’s Pointe Resort.
The update shifted to workforce development — a major focus for the corridor and a persistent challenge for Storm Lake’s manufacturers. Corridor Senior Vice President of Economic Development Trevor Smith recapped the inaugural Build My Future career exploration event held in April at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, which brought hands-on learning to hundreds of area students.
The corridor expects more than 1,000 students next year and already has businesses on a waitlist. Smith said Storm Lake schools played a key role in planning the event and ensuring students could participate.
The council also heard about the Homegrown Talent Initiative, a grant program designed to bring young professionals back to the region after college or technical training. Smith explained how the $6,000 grants — funded entirely through donations — help cover student loans, housing and childcare.
Strouth added that award recipients will be featured at future corridor events to help inspire current students to build careers locally.
Toward the end of the presentation, Strouth highlighted two Storm Lake‑specific developments, including new interest in the city’s miniature golf course. The attraction remains open but has faced maintenance and operational challenges, and the corridor says a prospective operator recently toured the site with a realtor.
Strouth said the interested party is an Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute alum who already owns a mini‑golf business elsewhere. The corridor recently held an on‑site visit and is continuing discussions.
He also noted fresh movement on a Storm Lake manufacturer looking to expand.
Strouth said the meeting went well, and the corridor will continue working with city staff as the project develops.
