The Development Corporation's mission is to help create a thriving regional business community through marketing, developing, and sustaining an environment that results in economic improvement in the greater Webster County area. We are your first stop to economic development opportunities, resources and business connections.
The Development Corporation of Fort Dodge and Webster County began in 1972 with the incorporation of the Webster County Industrial Development Commission. Between 1981 and 2003, the organization partnered with the Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce, sharing a director. In 2003, the Board decided the recruitment and retention of value-added employers to Webster County merited a stand-alone organization and became a completely separate entity from the Chamber of Commerce.
With John Kramer as President, great strides are being made. With continued public and private support, we will build upon past successes to drive economic development in Webster County.
Below is a list of the Board of Directors for 2008-2009:
Officers:
Chairman: John Taets - Northwest Bank
Chairman Elect - Don Woodruff - Woodruff Construction
Past-Chairman: Rick Bennett
Secretary - Tim O'Tool - C&S Products
Treasurer - Jamie Kilian - First American Bank
Board Members:
Vance Bauer - Gowrie
Greg Bocken - Ackerman Investment Co., Inc.
Dale Calendine - POET Energy
Scott Engquist - Engquist Lumber Company
Dave Gamet - Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Nick Garst - Northern Lights Distributing
Laurie Hendricks - Iowa Central Community College
Jamie Kilian - First American Bank
Bernie King - Fort Dodge Animal Health
Mike Kleis - Koch Nitrogen
Pat Leiting - Carpet World/Flooring America
Ed McWeeny - Gowrie Resident
Troy Shaner - VeraSun
Tim O'Tool - C&S Products
Ken Wunsch - MidAmerican Energy
Voting Ex-Officio
Terry Lutz - City of Fort Dodge Mayor
Joel Lizer - Webster County Board of Supervisors
Non Voting Ex-Officio
Dennis Plautz - Business Affairs and Community Growth
Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce
Gowrie Development Commission
