Rock Valley, Iowa — Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig made an appearance at a luncheon on economic development and trade in Rock Valley on Monday.
The luncheon was put on by Northwest Iowa Development — a group of four counties that the organization says work to create “a unified, targeted approach to developing and branding/marketing the Northwest Iowa region to attract quality new corporate locations and expansions and to attract skilled talent to support business growth.”
Rock Valley Economic Development Director Dave Miller says key economic development, public sector, and private sector leaders were invited to talk about northwest Iowa development opportunities and especially international trade expansion for Iowa businesses and farmers at the event held at Rock Valley’s new Parkview Event Center.
Miller says that instead of creating a zone as a large corporation, they created one as a group, for the small businesses of northwest Iowa. He says it is now in effect, and they’re looking for more businesses to take part, which was one of the reasons for the luncheon.
He says another reason for the luncheon was to hear from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, who gave an update during the program on expanding ag markets and trade.
Secretary Naig began his 99-County Tour by visiting Lyon and Sioux Counties. He also visited Stensland Family Farms near Larchwood on Monday. The Ag Department says the Stenslands have implemented innovation on their farm with robots and low-temp pasteurized milk, and their products are available at grocery stores and supermarkets in the tri-state area. They also have a retail store in Sioux Falls.
Photo Caption: Secretary Naig Speaks at luncheon in Rock Valley
