by Mari Radtke
Bill Anderson, Executive Director of Cherokee Area Economic Development spoke to the Marcus Council on Monday January 12. He presented the annual report and discussed a few highlights. He share information about services provided by CAEDC.
The report encapsulated the purpose of CAEDC as “dedicated to Cherokee County’s growth and success. We are focused on the retention and expansion of existing businesses, recruiting and assisting new business, and building a robust workforce.”
CAEDC featured transportation improvements with their October 21 ribbon cutting for the newly completed Highway 3 bypass bridge. The project was completed a fill year ahead of schedule by Iowa DOT “to help mitigate the transportation issues that occur during flood events.” Among other benefits the improvements are expected to improve emergency response times, particularly during flood events.
An open house held June 3, 2025 by the Brandt Family at the Cherokee Nor-Am Cold Storage. Nor-Am is entering its third generation family member into the business. Nor-Am has been in business for 26 years and operates in seven states.
Housing expansion projects in Cherokee. Fairview Townhomes near the fairgrounds and the Pioneer Apartments on Riverview Drive are complete. Fairview offers 35 new town homes with a ribbon cutting expected in Spring 2026. Eagle Construction took on the Pioneer Apartment project. This housing development boasts 46 apartment units and 10 town homes. The ribbon was cut on December 8.
“Coffee and Conversation” was an event series co-sponsored with Cherokee County Farm Bureau. The events hosted citizens to hear from elected officials as well as allowing citizen input. Both statewide and local area elected officials participated.
Right along with “Coffee and Conversations” the opportunity to learn presented by CAEDC sometimes came with lunch. “Lunch & Learns” are free to the public. They create an opportunity for businesses to network with other business and community leaders. Topics during the past year included Immigration Compliance, Change Management, Artificial Intelligence and Customer Service. The “Lunch & Learns” were co-sponsored by Cherokee Industrial Corporation.
The 2025 annual banquet was held in Aurelia. The 2026 banquet will be held Thursday February 26 at the Little Sioux Event Center. A golf outing brought fun and funds(?) together.
Marcus Lumber earned very prestigious recognition. Senator Joni Ernst awarded the 5 generations of construction supply retailing with the Small Business of the Week award. As chair for the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, she committed to awarding one business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.
CAEDC conducted the Ag & Industry Tour. The event featured visits to ag and industrial facilities throughout Cherokee County. Attendees were able to see behind the scenes to better understand what is made in Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Ag Show has become a favorite annual event. The Ag Shoe and the 5th grade farm tour along with the high school scholarship program are all organized with the Cherokee County Agribusiness Committee. Iowa PBS’ “Market to Market” celebrated 50 years on the air at Cherokee’s premier ag event.