ICAD Group Launches Wind Microsite

Wind Energy Supply Chain Campus Continues to Draw Interest

In response to a growing interest in the nation’s first-ever Wind Energy Supply Chain Campus, the Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) Group has launched www.iowacitywind.com.  This microsite connects multiple business components related to the wind energy industry, including land, labor, and transportation, with the benefits of doing business in the Iowa City area.

The site features a snapshot and important facts about Iowa City and provides links to detailed information on the ICAD Group website.  Users can link to laborshed reports, detailed property information about the campus, and obtain a free transportation quote to estimate costs of shipping products to and from our area.

“With this site, we can provide quick answers to preliminary questions about our area,” said Joe Raso, ICAD Group President.  “Just a few years ago, wind energy companies didn’t know about the strong assets our market has to support the growth of the wind energy industry.  Now they’re finding extraordinary opportunities are available in the Iowa City area.”

Among the strengths of the Iowa City area and the Wind Energy Supply Chain campus are its proximity to Clipper Windpower in Cedar Rapids and Acciona North America in West Branch, the availability of rail and multiple transportation companies, and the availability and capability of a skilled and highly educated workforce.

ICAD Group, the State of Iowa, and utility and city partners have been actively assisting wind energy companies for the past several years.  To date, ICAD Group has worked with more than a dozen companies that have visited or requested information specifically about the Wind Energy Supply Chain campus.

“At this stage, companies are planning for projects in 2010 and need data to determine which locations make sense for their needs.  Our website (www.iowacitywind.com) will help national and international companies with their research and make it easy for them to contact us with specific questions or to arrange site tours,” explained Raso.

This launch coincides with the WINDPOWER 2009 conference in Chicago.  Mark Nolte, ICAD Group Business Development Director, is attending the conference.