Success Story | SIMPCO Membership Workshop

Success Story:  SIMPCO hosted a Membership Workshop which not only allowed members & partners to find out more about the SIMPCO organization but also to hear from area speakers on key topics important to our region.


 Gross-Wen Technologies  presented its patented wastewater treatment technology, the revolving algal biofiml system (RAB). This system is designed to recover nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater.  To find out more, please contact Max Gangestad 515-851-8598

Abbie Gaffey from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach presented on two important topics facing rural communities, Marketing Home Town America and Rural Housing Readiness Assessment.

Marketing Home Town America is a facilitation, study circles, and strategic planning program to help rural communities market themselves to new residents and new businesses in order to maintain and enhance community economic vitality and combat rural depopulation.  

The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workbook helps community leaders identify and evaluate their existing housing plans, policies, codes, programs, infrastructure, special needs housing, and community engagement efforts to identify gaps in services, funding and housing construction strategies. 

To find out more about  Marketing Home Town America or Rural Housing Housing Readiness Assessment, please contact Abbie Gaffey 712-539-1169

Sarah Kleber from Heidman Law Firm presented on employment law. Sarah covered several “hot topics” that affect the day-to-day interactions between employers and their employees.  To find out more contact, Sarah Kleber  712-255-8838

SIMPCO members then participated in a peer networking session. They had the opportunity to speak to other communities and SIMPCO staff on Community Development Block Grants, Comprehensive Planning, GIS Mapping, Housing, Municipal Code Updates, and Hazard Mitigation Plans 

At the end of the Membership Workshop, SIMPCO members were surprised with a visit from U.S. Congressman Steve King! 

SIMPCO would like to thank all those who attended the Membership Workshop to make it a successful event.  A special thanks to our presenters and to Western Iowa Tech Community College for hosting us!