The Union County Development Association welcomes you to |
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The Union County Connection |
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We are so excited to finally publish our first, long awaited email newsletter! You can expect to find us right here in your inbox every quarter highlighting young professionals, job openings, events, and more things happening here in Union County. As you may know, we love to help make new connections in our community, and we hope this newsletter encourages you to do the same! Go ahead, read on! |
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Who are we? First things first... who even are we? We are the Union County Development Association (UCDA). While we might only look like a three women team in the office, there are A LOT of faces around the community that none of this would even be possible without. UCDA is a non-profit developmental association which has served Union County since 1997. UCDA relies on engaged board members for continued success of the organization. Board members serve on one of the four committees that have been identified as important factors for economic and community development. These four categories rely on each other for success. For instance, if you want to encourage a start up business or attract quality workforce, you need attainable housing, attractions and entertainment to help make it easy for individuals to CHOOSE UC! We are passionate and committed to work with these areas of focus to make Union County the obvious choice for individuals at all stages of life. Our office is located at The Roundhouse on 301 W Montgomery. When you enter the office, you'll be greeted by one (or sometimes all three!) of the ladies below. Stop in and say hello! |
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Here is where you will get the lowdown on our Uptown district so you can experience all Uptown Creston has to offer (which is A LOT!). Need some retail therapy? Uptown Creston has you covered. Check out these few of many retail shops (we couldn't fit them ALL in one newsletter!) and find more on our website here! - Greens N' Things is your one stop shop for all things green! Annual herbs, vegetables, perennials, houseplants, berries, succulents, and handmade decor. Located at 210 N Maple St.
- Family Shoe Store has shoes for everyone! Located at 219 W Adams St.
- Hazel Maries is a contemporary clothing boutique with styles for every occasion! Located at 215 W Adams St. Stop next door at The Wishing Well which has something for everyone - children & baby clothing, women's clothing & accessories, home decor, sports memorabilia, and more! Located at 217 W Adams St.
- House of Pain is the only store where you can both shop AND get a piercing! They sell clothing and accessories, jewelry, incense, and more. Located at 103 N Elm St.
- Napa Auto Parts stocks auto parts, tools and equipment and many other items for heavy duty trucks, marine and farming equipment. Located at 221 N Pine St.
- The Paisley Rose Boutique is a newer clothing boutique with everything from clothing and accessories, to jewelry and gifts! Located at 224 N Pine.
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What is creative placemaking? The American Planning Association defines creative placemaking as "a process where community members, artists, arts and culture organizations, community developers, and other stakeholders use arts and cultural strategies to implement community-led change." Did you know that we specialize in creative placemaking here at UCDA? Our Discover UC committee consists of community members passionate about making Union County a more beautiful place to explore. A recent project we completed, along with many volunteers of all ages, was planting trees in Uptown Creston. Trees provide many social, communal, and environmental benefits to communities such as improving air quality, mitigating stormwater, providing shade, and enhancing beauty. Check out these trees in the parking lot at The Depot and on the southeast side of First National Bank. |
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Project Update! Construction is well underway for Greater Connections Childcare Center. This facility is being built by Greater Regional Health on land that was donated by the Creston Community School District. Projected completion for this 14,500 square feet facility is summer of 2023. Upon completion, the center will offer childcare for over 175 children and is open to the community. Call (641) 782-7117 to get on the list for your future childcare needs! | | |
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Young Professional Spotlight: Abbie Cook |
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Union County native, Abbie Cook, is our first Young Professional Spotlight! Abbie graduated from Creston High School in 2016. Throughout her high school years, she participated in cheerleading, cross country, dance, and soccer. After high school, Abbie continued her education at SWCC where she obtained her Associates degree in Business Administration. She then transferred to Northwest Missouri State University and completed her Business Management and Marketing degree online. While working on her degree, Abbie started working at First National Bank as a customer service representative. She then moved up to personal banker and has since taken on additional duties such as marketing and retail. Abbie is heavily involved in both the Creston and Afton Communities. She volunteers at the Afton Community Club organizing events such as Moses and Margs and Afton Autumn Days as well as serving on the Lakeshore Golf & Country Club Board. When Abbie isn’t working or serving her community, you can find her golfing, kayaking, traveling, or spending time with family and friends. A fun fact about Abbie is that she has traveled to 41 different states. Abbie’s favorite thing to do in Union County is attend local events such as Fridays After Five and support small businesses. Headshot by Chloe Keefe. |
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What's happening in Union County |
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Want to sponsor an Area Business Coffee? Contact us at marketing@unioncountyiowa.com! |
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Now Hiring Executive Director Local Workforce Development Board The executive director provides leadership and executive management for the Southwest Iowa Local Workforce Development Board and the workforce development system. Works with the board to establish a strategic vision and acts as an advocate for the organization throughout the local workforce area, which includes Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Montgomery, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union counties. Individual has broad authority to carry out the day-to-day operations of the board in compliance with local, state and federal policies; laws, regulations; and bylaws adopted by the board. Submit resume to LWDB Board Chair Katrina Fleharty, by emailing kfleharty@imagineia.org. |
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| | Parents. Teachers. Health care providers. Business leaders. When it comes to kids, there’s one thing everyone wants – for them to be healthy! That’s why Iowa has created Healthy Choices Count! 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! is a nationally recognized and evidence-based prevention framework to promote healthy habits. The goal is to increase physical activity and healthy eating through policy and environmental change. | | |
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| | UCDA continues to work with Lockridge Networks to build and provide broadband internet services for all of Union County. This is in partnership with Ringgold County Development Corporation. Use the link below to get on the waiting list for a better connection! | | |
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Want to feature a job opening or nominate a young (or young at heart!) professional in Union County for our next newsletter? Email us at marketing@unioncountyiowa.com. |
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