Image courtesy of AREA

After consideration of several options, Greene County Development Corporation (GCDC) has announced its partnership with an area organization.

Following a special meeting Wednesday morning, the GCDC Board voted to join with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA). According to GCDC Interim Director Michelle Book, the regional organization will provide GCDC with organizational administration, along with workforce development expertise, business retention and expansion, housing support, communication, website development and media support. The decision comes after the previous GCDC Executive Director, Ken Paxton, stepped down in May. 

Book says pending AREA Board approval, the transition process will begin later this month and the strategic planning portion to restart GCDC will commence later this year. She notes that the AREA group, also known as the Alliance, has partnerships with Boone, Hamilton and Story Counties, as well as the cities of Boone, Story City, Huxley, Nevada, Ames and Webster City. Book believes GCDC is in a terrific position of momentum to help boost the economic development efforts overall in the county.