ICAD Group Recognized for Work in Wind Energy

Receives “Top Five” Award of Excellence from Expansion Solutions Magazine

Expansion Solutions Magazine recently announced its Fourth Annual “Top Five” Awards of Excellence, and the Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD Group) was the only Iowa-based economic development group to receive recognition.

ICAD Group was recognized in the Wind Energy category, along with groups from Oregon, Wisconsin and Texas.  These five economic development groups were selected because of recent activity and potential growth in their regions.  Strategic locations, pro-business climates, investments made in improving infrastructure and the availability of buildings and sites were among the top deciding factors in choosing these locations.

“Receiving this award is an honor for our organization and a credit to the work done to support wind energy in our region,” said Joe Raso, ICAD Group President.  “The Wind Energy Supply Chain Campus was created to attract development through conscientious design and meet the unique needs of manufactures in this industry.”

In the past year and a half, ICAD Group helped the city of Iowa City become the first and only city in the nation to purchase land and develop an industrial park specific to the wind energy industry.  Although wind energy projects have slowed in 2010, ICAD Group continues to respond to monthly requests about the area and the Wind Energy Supply Chain Campus.

“Our area allows companies the potential to expand upon an existing synergistic cluster in the heart of the wind belt,” added Raso.  “Additionally, our area offers a highly educated, productive workforce that’s seen 16.7% growth over the past decade.”

Expansion Solutions Magazine presents these awards to economic development organizations which have shown exceptional progress and potential in the development arena – by successfully recruiting, retaining and assisting growing businesses.

“We are excited about giving national recognition to these organizations,” said Kimberly Merkel, Editor of Expansion Solutions Magazine.  “It further demonstrates their leadership role in business retention, expansion and relocation.”