Blog | Calhoun County Economic Development

Grant Award to Calhoun County Economic Development

Calhoun County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) has recently received two grant awards which support their 2024-26 CCEDC Strategic Plan – Collaborating for the Future.

Blueprints for Success: Expanding Your Green Building Ventures

The world is increasingly focused on sustainability, and joining the green building game is a wise business move.

Gorilla on the Golf Course!

Gorilla on the Golf Course! Calhoun County Artwork Finds a New Home at Twin Lakes Golf Club

Feenstra Talks Ag, Economic Development in Manson

When Representative Randy Feenstra wanted to get the scoop on Calhoun County constituents’ concerns, he dropped by Double D’s Ice Cream Co. in downtown Manson one mid-afternoon in August.

Governor Visits Calhoun County

The 99-county tour is historically standard in Iowa. Those seeking political office often make the tour during an election year, but for Governor Kim Reynolds the 99-county tour has happened each year for her since before holding the office as Governor.

Double D's Ice Cream Co. comes to Manson

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Navigating the Unknown: Key Insights for Overcoming Fear and Thriving as a New Business Owner

Entrepreneurship - strategies to empower aspiring business owners.

Grassley Talks Rural Economic Development in Calhoun County

Senator Grassley’s stop in Manson, Calhoun County, was county number 57 in 2024, with 42 more Iowa counties to visit before he starts the tour over once again.

The Nook Shake and Energy Bar Fills a Niche in Lake City

Want some peach/cherry Feel Good Juice, packed with protein and collagen? How about a Strawberry Fusion Mega Tea, a Chocolate Brownie Batter nutrition shake, or iced coffee? The Nook Shake and Energy Bar in downtown Lake City serves up a huge variety of energy-boosting beverages each weekday for customers of all ages and tastes.

10 Free/Low-Cost Things to Do in Calhoun County

As the weather warms up, this is prime time to explore more of Calhoun County. If you’d like to enjoy some hidden gems without breaking the bank, here are some fun experiences you can enjoy around Calhoun County, all at low or no cost.

Raccoon River Coffeehouse Brews Excitement in Lake City

If the bold flavor of macchiato and fresh-baked caramel rolls or banana bars sound like a great way to start the day, get your fix at the new Raccoon River Coffeehouse in Lake City.

Young Couple’s Hometown Hardware Store Helps Manson Thrive

When Madison Samuelson was growing up in Manson, she always enjoyed spending time downtown at Swanson Hardware, which her grandparents owned and operated. After earning her degree at Iowa State University, Samuelson planned to move on and become an elementary school teacher, but everything changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soaking Good Fun in Lohrville

Remember “The Little Engine That Could”? This classic children’s story that reflects the values of optimism, hard work and perseverance has come to life in Lohrville, where volunteers are nearing their goal of installing a train-themed spray pad in the city park.

Established and New Ag Companies Help Calhoun County Grow

Farming touches everyone’s life daily, especially in Calhoun County, where 28% of employment (more than 1,700 jobs) comes from crop and livestock production, or ag-related industries. Among these ag businesses are Manson Ag Service, Inc., which has served the area since 2000, and Lauver Farm Solutions, a new venture founded in 2023.

Making our voices heard: CCEDC Executive Director talks small business with U.S. Senators

Testifying before Congress can be nerve-wracking, but Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) Executive Director Theresa Hildreth appreciated the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of rural business succession planning with U.S. senators in Washington, D.C. in late January.

Hunting in Calhoun County: An Economic Force for Conservation

What if you could enjoy some fresh air and exercise, leave the stress of schedules and deadlines behind, and experience nature at its own pace? Hunters enjoy it all in Calhoun County.

Store on 4 Offers Unique, Iowa Items

Every day is a good day to support local businesses, thanks to entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities in the most unlikely places in Calhoun County.

Opportunity Exists Here: Local Leaders Envision the Future of Calhoun County

Strategic planning means bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now.

“Uber for EMS:” Calhoun County Promotes Iowa United First Aid

When the unthinkable happens—whether that’s a car crash, a farm accident, or a heart attack—minutes count. But what if an ambulance crew can’t get there fast enough?

Small-Format Fareway in Rockwell City Thrives

“We’ve received tremendous support from Rockwell City and surrounding communities since we opened Fareway Rockwell City on February 9, 2022,” said store manager Dave Kistenmacher. “While we’ve been open more than a year and half, people still thank us for coming to Rockwell City.”

3 Ways the Pork Industry Benefits Calhoun County

When you think of pork, did you realize that Calhoun County’s pig farmers are serving up a whole lot more than bacon, ham and pork chops? Pork production in the county also helps fund local schools and libraries, thanks to the property taxes these farmers and landowners pay. There are more than 800 farms in Calhoun County (813, to be exact, according to 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture data), and a number of these are pig farms.

Dr. Julia Richardson Provides Quality Care, Close to Home

Profound childhood experiences can leave a lifelong impact and even shape a career. That’s true for Dr. Julia (Collison) Richardson, a Lake City native who has returned to Calhoun County to begin her medical career at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH).

Historic Highway 20 Shop Hop

There’s a saying that a thousand candles can be lighted from the flame of one candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.

Calhoun County Business Park

The right location can make all the difference when it comes to a company’s success. The 115-acre Calhoun County Business Park offers plenty of room to grow at a prime location along four-lane Highway 20.

Hardware and Hotrods: Young Entrepreneurs Help Gentry Hardware Thrive in Rockwell City

There’s just something memorable about stepping into a small-town hardware store. The distinctive aroma of lawn fertilizer. The dazzling sight of colorful paint samples. The metallic rattle of bolts and screws scooped out of bulk bins.

Meet Theresa Hildreth, Calhoun County Economic Development’s New Executive Director

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you’re a leader like Theresa Hildreth. Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to welcome Theresa as our new executive director and would like to help you get to know her better.

Saddle Up for a Short History of Western Days in Lake City

Sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted, especially if they’ve been around a long time. Consider the Western Days celebration and annual rodeo in Lake City.

Visit Veterans' Memorials Throughout Calhoun County

The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude, especially in Calhoun County.

Local Ownership Helps Lake City Hardware Thrive

There are some structures that have stood the test of time in Lake City’s downtown business district, including Lake City Hardware. The Lake City Graphic described the structure as a “magnificent building” when it was completed in 1898.

Welcome Home: Lohrville Showcases Homes for Iowa

Many rural communities across Iowa are struggling with housing shortages, but Lohrville is embracing a creative approach to this challenge. From the outside, their solution looks like a modern, ranch-style home on the north side of Highway 175. There’s so much more to this remarkable story, though.

Jolley Good: Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Serves Up Community Pride

Plenty of Iowa’s rural communities support pancake days or soup suppers, but there’s nothing quite like Jolley’s Famous Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast. Comfort-food aficionados willing to brave Iowa’s icy winter mornings swell the population of this tiny Calhoun County town (approximate population 28) by at least five to six times when breakfast is served.

Beat the Winter Blues with TWINterfest

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we can’t play outside here in Calhoun County. If you think there’s nothing exciting to do here in the winter, you haven’t been to TWINterfest at Twin Lakes, which offers everything from thrilling ice oval races (with motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs) to relaxing snow yoga (“snowga”) to the polar plunge, where you can literally jump in the lake!

Shining Bright: J&J Candles Offers Array of Popular Products

Walking into the J&J Candles shop south of Manson is a total sensory experience, from the vibrant rows of colorful candles on the display shelves to the enticing aromas near the work area where new candles take shape. Overseeing it all is Janis Miller, the self-proclaimed “Crazy Candle Lady.”

Pomeroy Park Honors Veterans in a Big Way

While it might seem like a simple memorial, there are powerful stories in the stones in the Pomeroy Veteran’s Park. This remarkable tribute proves how a small Calhoun County town can achieve big things.

Traditions Offers Food, Fun at Twin Lakes

When you’re near Twin Lakes, be sure to cruise over to Traditions by car, truck, motorcycle, bike or boat for an ice cream treat, a beverage or a meal with modern flair and a side of nostalgia. (Yes, there’s a dock for your convenience!)

Calhoun County Business Park Groundbreaking

Calhoun County’s first business park begins construction near four-lane U.S. Highway 20.

Calhoun County Economic Development Corp. Joins Western Iowa Advantage

Calhoun County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) has recently joined the Western Iowa Advantage cooperative economic development marketing region.

Calhoun County Housing Study Complete

Residents and community leaders are invited to attend a public forum on November 1.

Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg announce nominations for Iowa Opportunity Zones

The census tract in Calhoun County including Rockwell City, Pomeroy, Jolley, and unincorporated areas has been selected as one of the 62 Iowa census tracts nominated for Opportunity Zone designation by the Office of Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Economic Development Authority.