Located in the heart of America in the southeastern portion of Iowa, Lee County not only embodies Midwestern charm, but is home to a multitude of Fortune 500 and international companies that are continuously growing. Located along the Mississippi River and centered between Interstates 80, 35, 55 and 70.
Manufacturing Jobs
Potential Regional Labor Force
Students Participate in Grow Lee Programs
of Lee County Schools participate in STEM Scale-Ups
A Workforce/Business Retention and Expansion project focused on growing and increasing the quality of Lee County’s workforce
Grow Lee is a collaborative effort spearheaded and facilitated by Lee County EDG
Goal: Ensure an adequate workforce that meets the current and future needs of our employers.
One-on-one Synchronist interviews were conducted with industries representing Lee County’s top 20 employers. These companies represent over 4,000 workers, or 94% of manufacturing employees in Lee County. Data from the Synchronist interviews determined workforce to be the No. 1 Business Retention and Expansion issue facing Lee County industries.
Lee County EDG has hosted 15 Talent for Today and Tomorrow over four years to solicit input from our investors and Lee County stakeholders. Information from these meetings, combined with data collected from our Synchronist interviews, to form a program of action called Grow Lee.
Initially, Grow Lee consisted of 10 workforce initiatives however through collaboration it has expanded beyond the original programs. The initiative was designed to develop a pipeline of workers for current and future careers. The programs included a Lego Robotics program for elementary school students, to an employabiltiy class for high school students called 12 Plus, and up-training our existing workforce through stackable certificates utilizing our community college's new Industrial Technology Center.
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One of Lee County EDG's goals is to help Lee County, and SE Iowa, students get hands on career exploration while still in high school. This month we have partnered with Southeastern Community College and The Link to help provide a variety of experiences for students to explore career paths they're interested in.
...The Lee County Economic Development Group won a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for Lee County EDG Website Development in the 25,000 – 200,000 population category, from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
...Lt. Governor Adam Gregg discussed a variety of topics at Lee County EDG's Annual Salute to Industry. Touching on topics important to rural Iowa, such as broadband connectivity and the next generation of work.
Lt. Gov. Gregg also discussed the importance of manufacturing to Lee County and how it impacts the state. "Lee County consists of about 1% of the state population, however it makes up over 2% of our state's manufacturing," commented Gregg. "It's clear Lee County contributes well above your weight class."
...Lee County EDG's President and CEO named as one of North America's Top 50 Economic Developers for 2019 by Consultant Connect.
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