There is no disputing that the community of Manning gets things done. One of the reasons they are able to move forward with implementation of so many innovative ideas is because of their continued commitment to learning and growing when it comes to economic development and tourism. Yesterday (Wednesday), community leaders met with the Director of Iowa Economic Development, Debi Durham, Iowa Tourism Manager, Shawna Lode and the Executive Director of the Western Iowa Tourism Region, Shirley Phillips. Durham said these visits to Iowa communities are a touchstone for her department.
After a tour of Manning, the group discussed active lifestyle projects such as additional trails, development of the Milwaukee Trestle Park and introduction of winter activities. Mayor Harvey Dales, City Manager Dawn Rohe, Manning Main Street Director Colleen Nelson and Main Street Board President Ron Reischl also brought out discussion on the development of a 25 to 32 room hotel, bringing monthly events to Manning, streetscape projects, recruitment of niche businesses, growth of ag-related industries, developing a business incubator process as well as expanding city utilities, adding healthcare offerings and broadening current housing options. Durham said this provides an example of how the broad title of economic development is interwoven with the tourism, housing and recreational features of the community.
At the conclusion of the conversation, both groups are taking away ideas to revamp plans and programs and continue to innovate ways to push forward for growth. Reischl said these meetings are invaluable to city leadership in getting an outside perspective on the projects they are so close to, and in really being able to focus and get things done.
More details about the projects and plans discussed at this meeting will be coming in future stories on your Carroll Broadcasting stations.
