County economic development names new director

The Union County Development Association (UCDA) Board of Trustees Wednesday named Mindy Stalker Executive Director of the association.

Stalker has been with the UCDA for six years and was named interim director last May after the resignation of Wayne Pantini who took a similar position at Southwestern Community College.

“We are very excited for Mindy and her career advancement,” said Kevin Stewart, Executive Vice President of Iowa State Savings Bank and UCDA Board President. “We are thankful that Mindy will continue to serve our organization and community, and she has already done a great job of navigating her new role since being named interim executive director.”

Stalker started at UCDA as an administrative assistant and marketing coordinator. As she became more engaged with workforce education, she was given the title of talent development director. With that role, she continued to facilitate both leadership programs and works to help make more connections between Union County’s business and education partners.

Stalker has also led the partnership between UCDA and many of the Uptown Creston events as they continue to grow.

“I am thankful and excited for this opportunity. My focus will be to continue to familiarize myself with statewide programs that can help us serve our communities and promote our region and I look forward to sitting down with each business in UC to learn how we can address your concerns and support your goals,” Stalker said.

Stalker was also appreciative of client services and marketing coordinator Chloe Keefe. Keefe has been with the organization since July.

“I would also like to add that Chloe has been a great addition to our organization. I’m so glad that she joined the team when she did and I look forward to seeing her grow in her position and further our community engagement strategies.”

Pantini had worked as the executive director of UCDA for over 17 years.

Union County Development Association originated with the Creston Development Company (CDC) founded in the 1950s. The CDC helped with the expansion of several industries in Creston. Many existing industries accredit their start or expansion to the efforts of this group. The members of this group sensed a need for stronger countywide efforts and secured UNI’s Institute of Decision Making to help organize the planning and development process. The result of this process is Union County Development Association (UCDA). The focus of this organization expanded from new industry recruitment to business and industry retention, retail recruitment and retention, housing initiatives and tourism.

UCDA is a non-profit [501(c)6] developmental association which has served Union County since 1997. Funding for this organization comes from both public and private funding. The Public Funding Council consists of the city of Afton, city of Creston and the Union County Board of Supervisors. There are also private investors. The UCDA office is at 301 W. Montgomery St. and can be contacted by telephone at (641) 782-2003.

2022 Board of Trustees: Kevin Stewart - President, Iowa State Savings Bank; Devon Tyler-Leith – Vice President, Tyler Insurance Services; Chad Rieck, Vice President, KSIB Radio; Monte Neitzel, Treasurer, Greater Regional Health; Francine Ide, Secretary, Ide Farms; Paul Fuller – Past President, PCSB Bank; Melissa Driskell, Premier Builders; Scott Coen, State Savings Bank; Mike Moffitt, Cornerstone Financial Group; Jean Weisshaar, Create Creston; Jamie David, Precast Concrete.