Regional Development Tour

NE IOWA/ SE MINN. - CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) and J2G (Journey to Growth) hosted the fourth annual tour of rural towns for a Regional Development Tour on Aug. 15.

Approximately 50 real estate agents/brokers, architecture/engineering firms, financial institutions, higher education institutions, construction/development firms and businesses looking to build/expand in the area were invited.

They toured Cresco, Iowa and Harmony and Preston, Minn. “It was basically to showcase these CEDA communities. Give the attendees a reason to come here and come again,” said Jason Passmore of CEDA/Economic Development/CIDC/Chamber/ Business & Tourism.

CEDA focuses on rural America, rural communities and rural counties that may not get recognition. They are all under 10,000 population but mostly under 5,000.

Passmore explained, “Our focus is rural America and to show metro-area individuals that rural America has much to offer.”

This is the fourth time for the tour, and the first time it has come through Howard County. Passmore said it will be awhile before Howard County is visited again as there are 35 cities/counties represented by CEDA and each will be showcased.

The bus started in Spring Valley, going down Highway 63. As it passed through Chester and by Lime Springs, Passmore pointed out some of the positives in those areas, including an already-platted subdivision between the town of Lime Springs and Casey’s.

In Cresco, the bus toured developable industrial and residential properties. In addition, Passmore extolled community and county assets and quality of life in Howard County. These include the school, fitness center, hospital, fairgrounds and NICC.

“This event really embodies what CEDA is about,” said CEDA Senior Vice President Cris Gastner. “Small communities are full of exciting opportunities. They are vibrant places with character, passion and creativity.  This tour is so much more than discussing acreage and infrastructure; it allows people to learn about what makes each of the cities special.”

Ultimately, the tour will inspire excitement for and connections to regional opportunities.

 

About CEDA

Community and Economic Development Associates was created in 1986 as a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation then called the Southeastern Minnesota Development Corporation. 

In 2010, the agency became Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA) as a result of increased interest and inquiries received from communities outside of the agency’s original service area of Southeast Minnesota. The name change reflects CEDA’s commitment to provide services to fit the needs of any rural community. CEDA provides ongoing and/or project-based economic and community development services to rural communities and counties in Minnesota and Iowa currently. 

The team brings with it over 150 years of collective development experience. For additional information about CEDA and the services we provide, check out the website at www.cedausa.com.