Celebrating its 55th anniversary in August 2024, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has been a driving force behind numerous economic achievements in Osceola and Clarke County, Iowa. Since its founding in 1969, the CCDC has played a significant role in attracting business and industry to the area, as well as bringing a casino to the region—all thanks to the efforts of a few passionate locals who wanted to make their community thrive.
The original CCDC founders—Eddy Saylor, Fred Wood, L.P. Van Werden, Jack Jeffreys, Ross Gould, Stan Samuelson, Gerald Edwards, and Donald Ramsey—set out with a clear vision. They wanted to create a development corporation that would bring new businesses to the area, support existing ones, and ultimately improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.
To ensure the organization stayed true to its mission, they set it up as a nonprofit 501(c)(6). This structure allows a board of directors, made up of local business leaders and citizens, to collaborate on driving economic growth for the area. The board remains committed to transparency and the values set forth by the founders, always keeping the needs of Clarke County’s businesses and residents in mind.
“A lot can happen over five and a half decades,” said Bill Trickey, CCDC’s Executive Director. “When you have a board and membership as passionate as we’ve had with the CCDC, what transpires is real exciting economic change with sustainability and growth.”
One of the first big CCDC moves was purchasing 87 acres of land on the south side of town to develop an industrial business park. Within a decade, they’d attracted key businesses like Osceola State Bank, Metal Craft Engineering (which is now SIMCO Drilling Rigs & Equipment, Inc.), and Jimmy Dean Meat Company. Over the years, more businesses moved in, and essential infrastructure, like a water tower and an additional 68 acres of land with sewer and streets, was added. Today, this industrial park is home to several major employers like Altec, Osceola Foods (Hormel), and SIMCO, serving a worldwide customer base.
Osceola’s prime location—at the intersection of I-35, Highway 34, and Highway 69, along with access to the BNSF Railway—was another advantage the CCDC worked to capitalize on. In the 1980s and 1990s, the corporation worked on adding the Osceola Municipal Airport and improving interstate access, drawing more businesses to the area during a time when many other places were facing tough economic conditions.
In the 1990s, when Des Moines decided not to move forward with plans for a casino, CCDC President Eddy Saylor and other members saw an opportunity for Clarke County. Their determination paid off when Lakeside Casino Resort broke ground on West Lake in 2000, with the CCDC securing the gambling license. The addition of the casino brought a surge of revenue and development opportunities to the area.
“The casino was a big shot in the arm for the area,” said Andrew B. Clark, CCDC’s incoming Executive Director. “With communities across the county sharing in casino revenues, development possibilities were given a real boost.”
Since the casino’s arrival, the CCDC’s grant programs have continued to benefit organizations across Clarke County. These grants have funded important projects like the expansion and renovation of Clarke County Hospital, which now provides top-notch emergency services and medical care. Other community-focused programs, such as Tech Prep Housing, Osceola’s Safe Routes to School, recreational trail expansions, and support for The Village Daycare, have also improved quality of life options in the area.
The creation of the E. Eddy Saylor Industrial Park has attracted businesses like Osceola Farm and Home, Boyt Harness, Alliant Energy, and Iowa Steel, bringing more jobs and tax revenue to the county. This IEDA certified, shovel ready development continues to carry forward the vision of the CCDC’s founders, ensuring that Clarke County remains a place of opportunity.
Since its establishment in 1969, the CCDC has been responsible for creating thousands of jobs in Clarke County, and they’re not slowing down. With recent projects like the CCDC ORBIT Center and ongoing efforts to support city beautification and Osceola Chamber Main Street initiatives, the future looks bright for continued business growth and community development.
The CCDC invites everyone to celebrate 55 years of success and looks forward to what the next 55 years will bring.
For more information about the Clarke County Development Corporation or to become a member, contact Andrew B. Clark, Executive Director at 115 E Washington St, Osceola, IA 50213. Phone: (641) 342-2944, Email: [email protected].
