Sell Kit Press Release

Economic Development Announces Completion of Sell Kit - April 29, 2003

Wrapping up the best features of Kossuth County together in one package is no small task. For Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation, completing a marketing kit that sells Kossuth County is the first step in a long journey to retain and attract new businesses to Kossuth County.

Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation launched a $45,000 campaign over two years ago to create a “sell kit” marketing piece that packages all of the best features of Kossuth County together. The kit is a full-color folder with ten inserts focusing on housing, agriculture, workforce, recreation, arts & attractions, community living, transportation, utilities, education and health care. In addition, the kit has a tri-fold brochure for quick reference and a postcard to use in following-up with prospective businesses and residents.

The purpose of the kit is to package all of the positive attributes of the county together in an easy-to-read format. The kit will be distributed to businesses seeking to relocate, prospective employees and residents.

“The sell kit is just another tool needed for economic development. We need to let others know that Kossuth County is a great place to live and work. The sell kit packages the county in the best light possible,” commented Executive Director Maureen Elbert. “With the help of a Sell Kit, KCEDC will now be able to target specific industries nationwide and show them why Kossuth County would be a perfect fit for their business and their families, “ she said.

Creating the sell kit is just the first step in a long process to recruit & retain business. Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation has a plan to get the information into the hands of those who need it. In addition to fulfilling requests for information by KCEDC, Iowa’s Department of Economic

Development utilizes the sell kit when working with prospective businesses. “Today’s world requires us to compete at a higher level than ever before. The sell kit is an attractive package that will definitely be noticed,” said Elbert.

The sell kit was a project of the Marketing Committee of Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation. Led by a group of volunteers, the Marketing Committee donated 100 hours of volunteer time to Kossuth County Economic Development each year. The sub-committee who created the sell kit donated countless hours to this project. Mary Schaaf Design of Algona was the creative agency for the project. Volunteers were Theresa Lage and Liz Stowater, both from Algona. “Our volunteers drove around the county taking photographs of various attractions and gathering information. Then they put their talents together to present our county in the best possible light,” said Elbert.

Local businesses donated $44,600.00 for the project. We are still at a deficit of $3,600.00. Contributors include: Kossuth County Board of Supervisors, Algona Municipal Utilities, Alliant Energy, City of Algona, Iowa Department of Economic Development, MidAmerican Energy, Algona Area Economic Development Corporation, Erpelding Voigt & Co., Hormel Foods Corporation, Iowa State Bank of Algona, Iowa State Bank of West Bend, Northwest Federal Savings Bank, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance, Sbemco Matting by Design, Security State Bank, Snap-On Tools, Stateline Cooperative/Land O’Lakes, Afeco, Farmers State Bank, Kossuth Regional Health Center, Midwest Grain Processors, Titonka Savings Bank, Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Northwest One Inc., ATC Cablevision, City of Burt, Corn Belt Power Company, Humboldt County REC, City of Wesley, City of Whittemore, BankPlus of Lone Rock & Swea City, City of Lakota, Country Maid Inc., Kuehl & Payer Ltd., Loren Ehrich Trucking, Northwest Communications, Northwest Telephone, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Thul Law Firm, and Algona Family YMCA..