"The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" - E. Roosevelt Welcome back to the Union County Connection! With the end of 2024 just around the corner, we feel as if this quote has perfectly embodied what UCDA believes in. As we prepare for the next few years, we're reminded of what can happen when one believes in themself. |
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Leading the future one class at a time.. |
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In September, another year of the Lead UC program hit the ground running. On September 10th, the Adult program started out their first session dissecting their strengths with Kait Tysver, a Gallop-Certified Strengths Coach. On September 18th, the Youth program headed to St. Thomas More Center where they participated in a number of trust activities and ice-breaking activities to start out the year. UCDA is excited to have 18 adults and 14 youth participating this year, and can't wait to watch them grow in their leadership! Near the end of the program, the adult and youth groups will work together on a Legacy project. Once a month, the leadership groups will continue meet until their graduation in May. To learn more about Lead UC and Lead UC Youth, click here. |
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UCDA Student of Service Every semester, UCDA welcomes a Student of Service to work in office for the semester. This semester that student is Ady Morrison. Ady is a senior at Creston Community High School, and is currently on the Volleyball team. Outside of fall, Ady is involved in Basketball as well as FBLA. Although currently undecided, Ady plans on attending college after spring graduation. “I chose UCDA because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and learn more about what they do to make Union County a better place.” - Ady Morison |
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Connecting with Community through Coffee and Conversation Every Friday, community members get together and discuss new and reoccurring happenings around the area through Area Business Coffees. Hosted at a different business each week, anyone and everyone is welcome to join and spread the word about local information. Attendees are encouraged to arrive between 8:15-8:30 as discussion is finished by 9:00, allowing you to get to your next commitment. A list of the remaining 2024 dates can be found in the upcoming events below. |
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Uptown Creston rewarded 1.75 Million Dollars In July, the City of Creston was rewarded 1.75 million dollars through the CDBG Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Grant submitted in May. The Update Uptown committee will continue to work with The City of Creston to navigate the next steps for the five identified uptown projects. |
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Fridays after Five | Union County Young Professionals In late August, the Union County Young Professionals wrapped up their weekly summer events. Fridays after Five has taken place every Friday for the past 15 weeks, supported by over 15 local businesses in Union County. This year the Young Professionals raised just over 7,000 dollars in total with all proceeds going to 15 local non-profits throughout the county. Fridays after Five is an event hosted by the Union County Young Professionals & the Elks Lodge every Friday of the summer. Starting in May and ending in September, Fridays after Five is a great place to meet new people, listen to live music and kickoff the weekend! Follow the Union County Young Professionals on their Facebook page here to stay up to date! |
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Investor Spotlight: Chris Lane Agency UCDA is excited to highlight Chris Lane Agency as an Investor Spotlight! The Chris Lane Agency is a locally owned Independent Insurance and Real Estate Agency. Staring in October of 2022, Chris Lane Agency started their business in The Roundhouse. With the opportunity of having an office at The Roundhouse, they were able to keep their overhead costs at a minimum while renovations were under way at their new location. Now, the agency is located at 609 W. Adam St. in Creston. The Chris Lane Agency offers a full line of insurance overages for personal or commercial risks, while also having 4 licensed Realtors to handle any client's real estate needs. Chris Lane Agency calls Union County home as all of the staff have been raised in the area. Chris Lane Agency will be an ABC host on October 11th so be sure to stop and say hello. To see a full list of UCDA Investors, visit our website. |
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Coworker Spotlight: Julie Weisshaar Julie Weisshaar, a coworker at the roundhouse, works within the Energy Association of Iowa Schools (EAIS). EAIS is a statewide non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Julie founded the organization from the grassroots in 2011 to save Iowa Schools energy, budget dollars and lives. EAIS created the School Radon Training & Support System in 2015, and created the Building Operator Pathway in 2021. Julie has been in Union County since 1993. She moved from Iowa City to a farm here in Union County. Julie and the EAIS team has been located at The Roundhouse since 2019 and was the first coworker to utilize the space. As a statewide organization, EAIS previously rented space in the Des Moines area. Since moving back, EAIS has contributed to the local economy by hiring 5 local employees. "EAIS" loves working in The Roundhouse! As a non-profit with mostly part-time staff who are not always in the office, this professional co-working space is very much appreciated by our team. Being able to efficiently share the meeting rooms, bathrooms and kitchens, while also having our own work area and gaining from the synergy of the other professionals here has helped us grow" - Julie Weisshaar To learn more about coworking at The Roundhouse, click here. |
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Young Professional Spotlight: Brandon & Maria Phipps Graduating from Creston High School in 2014 and 2015, Brandon and Maria attended Northwest Missouri State University where they both ran track and cross country. Having both grown up in Creston, they feel blessed to be able to be so close to family as they start their married life. The couple appreciate the special sense of pride in athletics and community that Creston has after living in other areas without it. Currently, Brandon works at the Creston Community School District as a teacher and coach while Maria works as a certified public accountant for Gardiner +Company CPSs out of Des Moines. Outside of work, you can see them spending time with friends and family, going on a walk or bike ride as well as helping out with the Creston Baseball Club. If you would like to be featured as a young professional, email marketing@unioncountyiowa.com. |
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Southwestern Community College Click here for the SWCC Business & Community Development quarterly e-magazine! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS Click on the images for more information. |
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Career & Volunteer Opportunities |
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The Union County Young Professionals is a group of individuals in Union County who are passionate about providing more networking and professional development opportunities that will lead to a thriving and engaged community. You can get involved by joining our Facebook group where we post event, networking & volunteer opportunities here. |
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Would you like to feature a job opening, volunteer opportunity or nominate a young professional for future newsletters? Email us at marketing@unioncountyiowa.com! |
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