Iowa Central Community College has been building the local area workforce with customized training programs through business and industry training assistance programs set up through this innovative new program.

With campuses located in Webster City, Eagle Grove and Fort Dodge, Iowa Central is centrally located to assist area businesses with new training needs. But training usually occurs on the job site.

Prestage Farms, New Cooperative, AgState and Daybreak of Eagle Grove have all worked through Iowa Central providing customized training for business and industry through this program. Partnering with these industries, Iowa Central took the concept of the Industrial New Jobs Training program to their business.

Not every job or every employer can qualify for this specialized training, but those who meet the following criteria can substantially improve training time with the assistance from Iowa Central.

—Submitted photo
One of the products produced by Prestage.

The company must be located in or relocating to Iowa. They must be engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce for the purpose of manufacturing, processing, assembling products, warehousing, wholesaling or conducting research and development. They cannot have closed or substantially reduced its employment base at any of its other business sites in Iowa in order to relocate substantially the same operation to another area of the state.

Employees who qualify must be in newly created positions and pay Iowa withholding tax. They also must occupy job positions that did not exist during the six months prior to the date that the business and community college agreed to pursue a training project. The assistance ranges from highly specialized educational programs to basic skill training for new positions.

“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,” Julaine Bidleman, Economic & Community Education Director said.

By providing customized training for business and industry, this program strengthens the cornerstone of rural economies and ensures that agricultural communities are prepared to thrive, even in challenging times.

The 260E programs offer tailored training packages that meet the specific needs of agricultural businesses. These area businesses have used the program to meet their needs.

Co-ops like New Cooperative out of Fort Dodge benefit from hazmat and emergency response training, ensuring operators can act decisively when seconds count.

Technical Upskilling: On-site electrical training and light mechanical repair courses–such as those offered to Daybreak of Eagle Grove–equip employees with practical skills to maintain equipment and reduce downtime.

Leadership Development: Comprehensive CDL, safety, and leadership programs help organizations like AgState build strong teams ready to lead through uncertainty.

AgState is a prime example of how 260 partnerships fuel regional prosperity. With multiple locations across Iowa, they have multiple locations with the closest one in Albert City,

AgState provides essential services to farmers, from grain marketing to agronomy solutions.

They also employ hundreds of local residents, contributing millions annually to the regional economy.

They also invest in workforce development initiatives that align with its commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation.

As Elissa Barrick, Vice President of Human Resources, from AgState explains:

“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. We are grateful for their investment in our employees and the agriculture industry as a whole. Their dedication to education and workforce development aligns with our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.”

Why It Matters

Agricultural communities face unique challenges–from market volatility to unpredictable weather events. By upskilling workers, enhancing safety, and developing leadership, the 260E programs ensures these communities can adapt, recover, and continue to feed the world.

“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 of Iowa, a pork production plant, is a vital employer in Eagle Grove, with employees drawn 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.

Prestage Foods of Iowa produces premium pork products, serving both domestic and international markets. Recent innovations include marinated meats to supply consumer demand for convenient and flavorful options. This product diversification requires a highly skilled workforce to maintain quality and efficiency in production.

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

“I don’t think people realize the amount of help 260 programs can be. The funds in the 260 program are so helpful to a business in the first few years,” explained Sarah Hruska, Director of Human Resources for Prestage Foods. “This program isn’t just a tax incentive–it reinvests in communities through wages for employees, trainers, local businesses, and local colleges.”

By partnering with Iowa Central Community College, Prestage Foods of Iowa has streamlined training, sourced instructors, and coordinated schedules more efficiently by having a regional partner who is able to understand its needs on a local level.

Over a 10-year period, the program has provided over $4 million in front-loaded training dollars, repaid through Iowa’s income withholding tax. The program invokes a self-sustaining investment model in which up to 3% of the employee’s income tax withholding, is reinvested directly into company training, ensuring long-term success even during financially lean times.

“260 programs are intended for long-term success,” Hruska added.