The City of Jefferson recently received a grant to help renovate a downtown area building for a new business.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded Jefferson a $100,000 grant through a new program called the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant. The program aides communities in remediating or redeveloping underutilized buildings for economic growth. The grant funds will be used on the Odd Fellows building at 204 and 206 East State Street.
Pillar Technology signed a letter of intent to put their first rural community office location in that building. The partnership was contingent upon the Greene County School District bond referendum passing. Pillar is calling the building “The Forge” and they are working with the school district to implement a training program that could lead to individuals making a starting salary of $55,000-$60,000. Pillar is also expecting to bring in between 25-30 full time jobs.
Linc Kroeger with Pillar Technology confirms to Raccoon Valley Radio that barring any barriers to the project, they hope to open The Forge in Jefferson in 2019. He also sent a video link as Pillar is a finalist for the Iowa Prometheus Awards for Software Company of the Year. Click the link below to view the video.