Osceola Home to Iowa’s Newest Certified Site
May 25, 2022 – (Des Moines) Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced that the E. Eddy Saylor Industrial Park in Osceola is the latest industrial site to achieve certification through the Iowa Certified Sites program. The site joins 27 others across the state that have been designated as project-ready. Click here to see the certification..
“Certified sites create a competitive advantage in attracting jobs and great companies to Iowa,” said Debi Durham, executive director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “Companies that want to expand or relocate are searching for sites on aggressive timelines, and certification shows communities like Osceola are open for business and prepared to welcome new investment.”
The E. Eddy Saylor Industrial Park includes 138 acres of flat development-ready ground with easy access to Interstate I-80 and U.S. Highway 34. The site is zoned for light and heavy industrial uses, providing opportunities for a variety of projects.
“The City of Osceola is excited and grateful to have had the opportunity to work through the IEDA Certified Sites program,” said Osceola City Administrator Ty Wheeler. “Our E. Eddy Saylor Industrial Park is an ideal location for any entity in need of quick access to major transportation corridors. The certified site designation will play a key role in helping the city promote the site nationally and internationally.”
IEDA launched the Iowa Certified Sites program in 2012 to address the lack of project-ready industrial sites in the state. It is an independent, third-party program with certification through the nationally recognized site selection firm Quest Site Solutions. The program is designed to consider national site location standards, as well as Iowa’s natural assets and the needs of the state’s targeted industry sectors of advanced manufacturing, biosciences and finance and insurance.
“The Clarke County Development Corporation appreciates IEDA’s support and investment in this program and looks forward to continuing our collaboration with IEDA as we promote this latest economic development asset in our region,” said Bill Trickey, executive director of CCDC.
Site certification remains one of the most important factors in the site selection business. It is a rigorous process that ensures developers – working closely with local officials, utility partners and consultants – are better prepared to market their sites with specific site-related information and community data. The process also speeds up the development schedule by having due diligence completed and plans in place to mitigate any identified issues, reducing risk to companies.
In addition to the 28 sites certified through the Iowa Certified Sites program, six additional sites are working through the various phases of the program. The next round of applications will open in July.
For more information contact: Staci Hupp Ballard, Iowa Economic Development Authority 515.348.6245 co [email protected]
