KCEDC Receives Development Materials Award at Mid-America Competitiveness Conference

Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation was presented with an Excellence award for the category of “Newsletter” at the Mid-America Economic Development Council’s (MAEDC) 2005 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference held December 4 - 6 in Chicago. The three-day conference featured noted economic development experts from throughout the Midwest, leading seminars on a variety of topics related to business growth in the region.

Keynote Speaker Tim Koegel presented “Closing the Deal with a Polished Presentation” on Monday, December 6. Koegel, a noted national speaker, works with executives, politicians and business professionals to strengthen their message and refine their delivery skills. Other topics addressed included: “A Competitive Edge Founded on an Entrepreneurial Attitude”, “A Look at Our Economy”, “Funding Your Program Aggressively Will Help You Reach Your Growth Goals…” and “Bringing Your Best to the Office Every Day”.

Speakers included Craig Culver, Culver’s Family Restaurant; George Erickcek, The Upjohn Institute; Terry Cusack, STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.; Rod Crider, Wayne Economic Development Co.; Mark Litten, Greater Erie Marketing (GEM); Bernie Saggau, Former Director of Iowa H.S. Athletic Association.

MAEDC’s Development Materials Awards competition recognizes organizations that have developed outstanding targeted marketing strategies for competitive positioning. Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation received the “Excellent Award” for 2005 in the category of Newsletter. Out of the 15 awards that were presented, only two Iowa economic development county organizations received awards, one of those being Kossuth County. For many years, the MAEDC Council has sponsored the competition to recognize and stimulate the creative use of quality marketing materials by economic development organizations throughout the ten-state Mid-America region in promoting their respective communities. Maureen Elbert, Ex. Director for Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation was present to receive this award. The winning entries were on display throughout the conference.

As a non-profit organization, MAEDC works to enhance economic developers’ knowledge, capabilities and opportunities through regional networking and cooperation. In addition, MAEDC promotes and markets its 10-state area to site selectors and industries. MAEDC represents economic development professionals in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. For more information, contact MAEDC at (651) 290-7495.