Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation

Over 77% of Hiawatha businesses provide work-based learning opportunities like internships, apprenticeships, and co-op positions—helping to develop the next generation of talent right here in our community!

At HEDCO, we’re committed to fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities that strengthen our community. From helping startups take off to attracting new investments, our work fuels a thriving business environment in Hiawatha. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future—one business, one job, and one success story at a time! Learn more about our impact: www.hedco.org

On Tuesday, February 18th, business leaders gathered at the Iowa Sports Center for the Hiawatha Business Summit to discuss the evolving challenges of remote and hybrid work and strategies for addressing workforce shortages. The conversation focused on how companies can effectively supplement their teams when full-time candidates are scarce. Panelists shared real-world examples and practical advice on crafting flexible work policies that align with business goals while supporting employee needs in a changing workforce landscape. Did you miss it? Watch at the link below. https://lnkd.in/dH7aU6Kf

Don't forget to join us TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 18th, for the Hiawatha Business Summit from 8 AM to 9 AM at the Iowa Sports Center as we explore how business leaders can navigate the evolving challenges of remote and hybrid work environments while addressing workforce shortages. How do you supplement your team effectively when full-time candidates are scarce? Drawing on real-world examples from local companies, this discussion will provide advice for crafting flexible work policies that align with your business goals while meeting employee needs and adapting to changing workforce trends. The panelists include: Vince Ellison, President & Visionary at Benchmark, Inc. Alicia Murphy, Chief People Officer at Van Meter, Inc. Matthew Auliff, NE Region Operations Manager with Iowa Workforce Development. We invite you to register for "Balancing Remote Work, Office Presence, and Workforce Needs" at no cost by following the link below. https://lnkd.in/gK53zbqT

Don't forget to join us for the upcoming Business Summit on Tuesday, February 18th from 8 AM to 9 AM at the Iowa Sports Center as we explore how business leaders can navigate the evolving challenges of remote and hybrid work environments while addressing workforce shortages. How do you supplement your team effectively when full-time candidates are scarce? Drawing on real-world examples from local companies, this discussion will provide advice for crafting flexible work policies that align with your business goals while meeting employee needs and adapting to changing workforce trends. The panelists include: Vince Ellison, President & Visionary at Benchmark, Inc. Alicia Murphy, Chief People Officer at Van Meter, Inc. Matthew Auliff, NE Region Operations Manager with Iowa Workforce Development. We invite you to register for "Balancing Remote Work, Office Presence, and Workforce Needs" at no cost by following the link below. https://lnkd.in/gK53zbqT

Your Next Business Location is Here! Hiawatha has prime commercial & industrial sites ready for development. ??Strategic Location ??Business-Friendly Community ??Growth Opportunities Let’s build your future in Hiawatha! Contact us today.

Join us at the Iowa Sports Center as we explore how business leaders can navigate the evolving challenges of remote and hybrid work environments while addressing workforce shortages. How do you supplement your team effectively when full-time candidates are scarce? Drawing on real-world examples from local companies, this discussion will provide advice for crafting flexible work policies that align with your business goals while meeting employee needs and adapting to changing workforce trends. The panelists include Vince Ellison, President & Visionary at Benchmark, Inc.; Alicia Murphy, Chief People Officer at Van Meter, Inc.; and Matthew Auliff, NE Region Operations Manager with Iowa Workforce Development. This event will take place on February 18th at 8AM at Iowa Sports Center, located at 3055 Robins Rd, Hiawatha, IA 52233. We invite you to register for "Balancing Remote Work, Office Presence, and Workforce Needs" at no cost by following the link below. https://lnkd.in/gK53zbqT

Did you miss the most recent Hiawatha Business Summit? Catch up at the link below! Attendees joined us for the recent Hiawatha Business Summit, where three esteemed experts discussed the latest advancements and trends in construction, products, and technology. We featured representatives from Hometown Restyling, Hawkeye Communication, and Novak Heating and Cooling. https://lnkd.in/dH7aU6Kf

Have you ever contemplated the innovative building materials available for your next construction project? Join us for the upcoming Hiawatha Business Summit, where three esteemed experts will discuss the latest advancements and trends in construction, products, and technology. We will feature representatives from Hometown Restyling, Hawkeye Communication, and Novak Heating and Cooling. This event will take place on November 19 from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. at Stillwater Coffee Company, located at 1275 N Center Point Rd., Hiawatha. We invite you to register for "Construction Innovation - Emerging Trends Panel & Happy Hour" at no cost by following the link below. https://lnkd.in/gexrSnWN

Did you miss the most recent Hiawatha Business Summit? Catch up at the link below! This quarter's Business Summit took place at Kirkwood Regional Center in Hiawatha for a morning program about the evolution, myths, and realities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this session local entrepreneur, Greg Edwards, discussed current trends in operational efficiency, AI in customer service, data analytics, decision-making, and cybersecurity. He also covered the ethical considerations of using AI and what low cost, accessible tools and systems small businesses might start out with. https://lnkd.in/dH7aU6Kf