In this area, employers have worked through several different programs through Iowa Central, and one of the most recent success stories has been through the Iowa 260E program.

With campuses located in Webster City, Eagle Grove and Fort Dodge, Iowa Central is situated well to assist area businesses with new training needs. But most of the training happens on the employers site.

Prestage Farms, New Cooperative, AgState and Daybreak of Eagle Grove have all worked through Iowa Central who provided customized training for their businesses through this program. The success of these partnerships has created positive experiences for both employers and employees.

This particular training program is not available to every business, however. Criteria has been established that entails company location, interstate or intrastate commerce, and type of work needed. A company cannot close a business in one area, and reopen the same type of business in a different community in Iowa.

Employees are part of the equation also. To be trained through this program, they must be hired in newly created positions, and a position that

didn’t exist six months prior to the training agreement.

“The 260E program has been a valuable tool for new and expanding businesses in our region, providing critical training resources that strengthen employees, companies and the communities they call home,” said Julaine Bidleman, Economic & Community Education Director for Iowa Central Community College

This program strengthens the rural economies with the customized training and ensures that agricultural communities are prepared to thrive, even when challenged by weather and the markets.

Their training includes job specific tasks in addition to developing leadership skills.

AgState is a prime example of how 260E partnerships fuel regional prosperity. AgState, which has multiple locations in Iowa provides essential services to farmers.

“Without Iowa Central Community College, the core workforce development initiatives AgState has launched over the past several years, including comprehensive CDL, commercial applicator, and leadership training would not have been possible,” Elissa Barrick, vice president of Human Resources from AgState said.

“Prestage Foods of Iowa and Iowa Central Community College share a strong partnership focused on building a skilled workforce and supporting long-term regional growth,” said Bidleman. “Through customized training and close collaboration, Iowa Central helps Prestage meet evolving production and leadership development needs.”

Prestage Foods, located in a rural facility south of Eagle Grove draws employees from Hamilton County and the surrounding area. It currently employs approximately 1,100 team members, making it one of the largest economic drivers in the area. Its success ripples throughout the local economy, supporting families, small businesses, and community growth.

The Iowa 260E Industrial New Jobs Training Program has been instrumental in supporting growth in each of these businesses.

With each industry in the Hamilton County and surrounding communities considering emerging technology to create a more efficient and productive workforce, a partnership with Iowa Central can take some of the pressure off of training a new workforce, and insure the long-term strength of the companies.

Success stories are included in the Business and Industry Progress edition today.

More information can be attained the Iowa Central website or by contacting Bidleman at the Iowa Central Community College campus at 515.574.1900

or email Bidleman@iowacentral.edu.