The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has released its 2025 Annual Report, and for Storm Lake and Buena Vista County, the message is clear: momentum is building.
The Corridor serves four counties: Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet. Its mission is to foster economic growth through business retention, recruitment, entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, and childcare.
For Storm Lake and Buena Vista County, the report highlights several key efforts. Local employers received support in addressing workforce shortages, with the Corridor connecting job seekers to openings and promoting training opportunities. Housing development in Storm Lake was also a priority, as leaders worked to expand options for families and professionals. Childcare initiatives moved forward, with projects aimed at increasing capacity to meet community needs.
The report highlights programs that directly impact local residents and employers. The Homegrown Talent Initiative awarded its first two grants last year—$6,000 paid over four years to graduates who returned to the region to live and work. Those funds can be applied toward student loans, mortgages, or childcare, helping young professionals put down roots in communities like Storm Lake.
Entrepreneurship was another focus. The Big IDEA Challenge brought five local business owners into a pitch competition, with winners earning monetary awards to grow their ventures. The Corridor also launched the Corridor Conversations Podcast, featuring voices from city leaders and program participants, including Storm Lake perspectives.
The report includes testimonials from employers who credit the Corridor with solving real challenges. One business noted that staff helped secure warehouse space just blocks away, while others praised the organization’s role in connecting entrepreneurs and advocating for community needs.
Corridor President and CEO Curt Strouth said the accomplishments reflect strong collaboration among counties and communities, underscoring a shared commitment to growing opportunity and investment.The full annual report is available online at lakescorridor.com/report.
