Kossuth County Has A Lot To Offer Interns

Interns working in Kossuth County, this summer, have opportunities to start and continue their careers in the county. That’s the message 40 interns received during the annual Intern Breakfast on May 26th, sponsored by the Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation.

Interns and about 40 CEO’s of county businesses had the chance to network while feasting on egg bake, rolls, and juice. Speakers told the interns that Kossuth County not only offers them a chance to get on-the job experience, it offers them future employment opportunities.

Stacy Besch, owner of Innovations Salon and Spa, said she had no plans to return to Kossuth County after graduating from high school. Besch, however, returned with her husband so he could farm in the hometown area. Besch said looking back; it was great decision to move back to Kossuth County. She started her salon in Whittemore, opened an Aqua Massage in Algona, and combined the two businesses to form Innovations Salon and Spa in the last year.

Jim Conard, president of Northwest Federal Savings Bank of Algona said, “Some of you might start your own business. One of the nicest things about Algona is that help is available to get you going.”

Steve Hoskins, vice-president of life and benefits operations at Pharmacists Mutual Insurance, told the interns he lived 25 years in Des Moines and never had enough time to get involved in anything, but people in Kossuth County are fortunate to do all the things they want to do.

Sean Noonan, president of the Algona branch of Farmers State Bank, asked the interns to keep Kossuth County in the back of their minds. Noonan moved from Chicago to Algona in 1998. “Things change a lot and family becomes the number one priority. There’s no better place to raise a family than in Kossuth County,” said Noonan.

Maureen Elbert, executive director of KCEDC, said the overall goal is to encourage the interns to get involved with social activities. “We provide an avenue for them, and hope they will take a look at us in the future.”

Jeff Politte, chief investment officers at Pharmacists Mutual Insurance, said “Kossuth County is a great place to call home”, as he related about his experience of moving around the country and not having time to become involved with community activities. Politte said moving to Algona two years ago has allowed him more time to become involved in community organizations, such as Kiwanis.

Lisa Louscher said she has been “Country-sized” since moving from Chicago to Kossuth County. She said people know and care about their neighbors. Since moving to Algona, Louscher has become involved with a gourmet cooking club and the YMCA. Louscher told the interns she loves the qualities of small towns and realizes that each time she sees the grain elevators after visiting Chicago.

Mike Walker interned last summer with Prestage-Stoecker Farms, and went on to work part-time for the company while finishing his education. He explained the Intern Advisory Committee and encouraged the interns to become involved with committee activities. “The committee gives the interns a voice,” said Walker, “What we do is get together to reflect how the summer is going to find out what is working and what isn’t.”

The Intern Advisory Committee meets every two weeks, starting June 1st, at the KCEDC office.