Lee County EDG Welcomes New Board Members
Lee County EDG has added three additional board members, Jason Hutchenson, Kay Sackville, and JR Derksen.
Jason Hutcheson serves as the Executive Director of the Great River Health Foundation. He is a native of Southeast Iowa and has worked for both Louisa Development and the Greater Burlington Partnership in various economic development roles. He is often sought as a subject matter expert on real estate development and incentive negotiation.

“I have been so impressed with the work of Lee County Economic Development Group,” said Hutcheson. “It is a privilege to be a part of this board and provide value wherever I can.” Jason has also served as President of both the Professional Developers of Iowa and the Iowa Chamber Alliance.
Kay Sackville is the Key Account Manager with Alliant Energy, where she is building relationships with key businesses and economic development groups in Lee, Des Moines, Henry, and Louisa counties. Kay previously worked at Great River Health and the Greater Burlington Partnership.

“I’m excited to learn more about the progress being made in Lee County and look forward to helping Lee County Economic Development Group reach their goals, making an impact in Lee County,” stated Sackville. Kay is also active in the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Burlington Kiwanis, and the Capitol Theater.

Kay received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa and a certification in Travel and Tourism. She also attended the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management. Kay is originally from Hampton, Iowa, and has resided in Burlington for 23 years.
J.R. Derksen serves as Manager for Liberty Utilities Business and Community Development for N.E. Missouri, Southeast Iowa, and Central Illinois. He works primarily with Economic Development opportunities, key account management, franchise agreements, and new projects.

In addition, J.R is involved with the Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation, Hannibal Industrial Development Company, and the Missouri Economic Development Corporation.

“It is an honor to be a member of the Lee County Economic Board. Liberty is very grateful for any opportunity to help grow Lee County. This organization is vital to helping Lee County thrive. I look forward to learning from the rest of the board members as well as Dennis and Dana.”

Lee County EDG is excited to add these professionals to our board. Board members serve three-year terms with the opportunity for reelection when their time is complete. To view the list of current Lee County EDG board members visit leecountyedg.com/our-team/.
Trades Council Holds High School Expo
The Southeast Iowa Trades Expo hosted 160 students from throughout the region on April 5th and 6th at the Iowa National Guard Armory. This two-day event allowed students to explore the variety of skilled trades available in our region and the nation.

"There are thousands of open jobs in the trades," commented Jacob Nye, "Events like this give students the opportunity to talk to people currently working in the trades and see what area could be the right fit for them." This is the 5th year of the Southeast Iowa Trades Expo. This year showcased more technology as students operated virtual backhoes, virtual welders, equipment simulators, and more.
Kidtek Scholarships Still Available
Wanting something fun for your kids to do this summer? Check out KidTek, week-long summer camps for 4th - 9th grade students. Camps are in Keokuk, Fort Madison, West Burlington, and Mt. Pleasant plus virtual camps available! Click here for the full catalog. Camps start in June!
Intern Connect Sign-up is Open:
Lee County Robotics Team Wins at World FIRST Competition
The Lc3 Thunderbirds joined over 450 teams from around the world and earned a winning record in the qualifying rounds, placing them in the top half of their 75-team division. They won the highest-ranking rookie team award in their division. Only one other rookie team earned a higher-ranking score in the entire competition making the Lee County team the second-highest-ranking rookie FRC team internationally. View full press release here.

The Lee County Robotics Team would like to thank the individuals and businesses who donated to their team. The team will be hosting an appreciation reception on May 19, from 4:30 – 6:30, at the Lee County EDG offices. 
PVpallet Establishing Headquarters in Lee County
PVpallet announces its plans to grow its operations and establish headquarters in Lee County. PVpallet’s innovative solar shipping solution is revolutionizing the way solar modules are handled and distributed. Lee County will serve as the operations hub for PVpallet, Inc., including assembly, warehousing, and distribution. 

Confidential, Customized Business Consulting Available through SBA
Services include:
  • Business Planning
  • Financing Opportunities
  • New Business Guidance
  • Cash Flow Projections
  • Market Research Services
  • Loan Proposal Assistance
  • Business Growth Strategies
  • Succession Planning
  • Marketing Strategies
  • QuickBooks Help
  • Sales Tax Help
  • Export Assistance
  • and more….
SBDC also offers a variety of classes and workshops. Interested in Google Apps, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Strategies
Find out more by contacting Janine Clover, jclover@scciowa.edu or
319-208-5381
CBIZ Options Catalog Now Available
Custom on-site training available. On-site training is an EFFICIENT & COST-EFFECTIVE way to bring key concepts to your team at one time. Learn more, call today at 319-208-5375

The Options course catalog offers classes for individuals seeking new skills or educational tools to improve their business.

Home Based Iowa Designation
Lee County has obtained the Home Based Iowa designation through the state. Home Base Iowa connects Iowa businesses with qualified veterans and their spouses looking for career opportunities. The program also provides resources to help veterans and their families with education and transition to a new community.
 
Though we have met the state requirements, we would like to improve our offerings. Therefore, we are looking for businesses and individuals willing to help in this effort. Please click below to help us with this designation and assist in recruiting veterans to Lee County.
If you are a Lee County industry and have a product you would like to have highlighted, contact Dana Millard at dmillard@leecountyedg.com.
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Have a story or update you want to share?
Contact Lee County EDG
Dennis Fraise, CEcD, dfraise@leecountyedg.com 319-753-0690
Dana Millard dmillard@leecountyedg.com 319-931-7182
Carmen Salazar csalazar@leecountyedg.com 706-988-3912