REFLECT
Letter from the Director
2021
The year 2020 definitely provided its share of challenges for business development in our local Iowa Falls community. Our entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to change was certainly put to the test, and as a community we truly have demonstrated impressive resilience.
Quick Overview
With lockdowns in place, on-site business visits were put on pause. We adapted to phone calls in lieu of personal visits, and of course, Zoom calls quickly became the new norm. IFADC focused on keeping businesses apprised of financial assistance programs through a steady flow of informative emails and calls. Our goal was to keep our local businesses current on the ever-changing landscape of assistance programs and COVID-19 protocols. Despite the challenges, we continued to assist both existing and new businesses with their well-being and growth. Thankfully, we’ve recently been able to return to in-person business visits. These visits provide critical insight into the health and vitality of our local industries, and help us pinpoint issues that potentially stifle growth and expansion. Our work includes frequent feedback loops with city and utility partners to ensure infrastructure continually meets evolving business demands.
PROPOSALS
SITE VISITS
Responded to 18 company inquiries with proposals.
Hosted 5 companies on local site visits.
Four projects initiated prior to the pandemic have come to a grinding halt. Two of these have demonstrated potential to move forward, however, the other two are on indefinite hold. We continue to assist local companies considering expanding operations, as well as recruit new businesses to the area. Even amidst the shutdowns and uncertainties of 2020, we had 18 projects request information on Iowa Falls and its properties. Of those 18, we had five make site visits. Three of those have become currently active projects with companies evaluating the potential of an Iowa Falls location. 520 Rocksylvania Avenue Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126
Working with entrepreneurs and helping them realize dreams of business ownership is the heartbeat of IFADC. As you read this, there are individuals working to open new businesses right here in Iowa Falls. We are readily available to help with business plans, financial projections, market research, and site selection. The IFADC Revolving Loan Fund is also available to help make these dreams a reality. If you’re interested in discussing Iowa Falls as the future home for your business, let’s set up a time to chat!
Iowa Falls Area Development Corporation
LEADS
BUSINESSES
Working regularly with 3 current marketing leads.
Welcomed 2 new businesses to Iowa Falls this year.
Annual Report
2021
ON HOLD
ZOOM CALLS
Placed 4 projects initiated prior to the pandemic on hold.
Sat through 1,958 Zoom calls. But who’s counting?
Mark Buschkamp MARK BUSCHKAMP
Executive Director
director@iowafallsdevelopment.com www.iowafallsdevelopment.com (641) 648.5549 (877) 648.5549 (641) 373.3455 (641) 648.3702
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INSIDE
2021 Quick Overview Our Mission & Services Letter from the Director Site Visit Data Analysis Milestones & Successes Local Growth Highlights
ABOUT
Our Mission & Services The Iowa Falls Area Development Corporation offers innovative business development consulting services, as well as economic development assistance for new and expanding industries in Iowa Falls. We are committed to facilitating both growth and prosperity for Iowa Falls and its businesses.