IVCCD Board Report – December 13 Meeting
Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions Responds to Healthcare Shortage
MARSHALLTOWN – Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions (BCS) is partnering with local healthcare agencies to address the healthcare worker shortage in Iowa. The program, Rural Highways of Hope, an apprenticeship program, funded with a grant from the State of Iowa. It is a partnership between BCS and the McFarland Clinic in Marshalltown, Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls, and UnityPoint Marshalltown and Grinnell.
This is a career pathway initiative designed to address the critical workforce shortage in healthcare. The goal is to attract high school students and unemployed and under-employed people interested in a healthcare career. The program will allow them to earn while they learn from licensed healthcare professionals working in the field. This is a three-year grant, with an emphasis on work-based learning.
Board Holds Organizational Meeting
In its annual organizational meeting, the Board swore in members, and appointed officers. Larry Johnson will remain President of the Board, and Joanna Hofer will serve as Vice President. Abigail Pelzer was appointed as Board Secretary and Gena Garber was appointed Board Treasurer. Subcommittee appointments will take place at the January 2024 meeting. The Board also welcomed newly elected board member Amber Danielson, who will replace Jackie Pippin, the outgoing Board member.
OPN Architects, Inc. Chosen for Ellsworth Equine Roof Project
A contract was approved with OPN Architects, Inc for the roof replacement at the Ellsworth Community College Equine Center. The estimated cost of the project is $1.4 million and will be funded by remaining contingency funds from other improvement projects. The estimated completion of the roof replacement is September 2024.