February 10, 2021
ELKADER, IA (February 10th, 2021) – A local effort to promote the recruitment and retention of a strong and diverse workforce for Clayton County has received a $1,250 Ripple Effect grant.
The Ripple Effect grant application was made on behalf of Clayton County Conservation by Alpine Communications, one of the city’s providers of internet, television, cellular, and phone services. In addition to the $1,250 Ripple Effect grant, Alpine Communications will provide a matching grant of $1,250 for a total of $2,500 in grant funding for the project.
The project, Attracting Success: Northeast Iowa Professionals Thrive in Rural Landscape, consists of a marketing campaign, production of four short promotional videos, creation of a new website, and a fall 2021 Summit for Northeast Iowa professionals.
These efforts are all geared towards updating the way Clayton County recruits and retains the next generation of workers and community leaders in Northeast Iowa. This will be achieved by highlighting the favored lifestyle professionals in the area enjoy.
The marketing campaign will showcase telework opportunities utilizing access to readily available quality fiber-optic broadband. Additionally, the region’s scenic beauty, cultural amenities, and access to recreational opportunities year-round will all be featured. The project aims to encourage professionals to visit Northeast Iowa, engage in the culture and lifestyle, and connect with employment opportunities in Clayton County.
“Alpine Communications hosted the Connected Communities Summit in October 2019 to showcase and educate community leaders, small businesses, and area stakeholders on leveraging fiber-optic broadband to grow our region. The “Attracting Success” project will utilize broadband as one of the many amenities Clayton County offers for young adults, families, and entrepreneurs. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of quality broadband connections, especially in rural areas. Remote workers who use broadband services also appreciate Clayton County’s natural beauty, space, affordability, and culture. It’s exciting to see the Connected Communities Summit’s mission come full circle to a video campaign, website, and summit to attract people to our area.”
Chris Hopp, General Manager/COO of Alpine Communications
A check presentation was made at Alpine Communication’s office on Wednesday, February 10th. “Northeast Iowa is known for its natural scenic beauty. Few people know the vibrancy of our young and diverse workforce. The Ripple Effect Grant will help Clayton County highlight the growing trend of young professionals and their families choosing to live in rural areas. Clayton County is rich in natural scenic beauty; outdoor recreation; student-centered education; broadband connection that supports teleworking; diverse, locally sourced, dining and cultural experiences. All of this accompanied by the quaint charm of rural Clayton County communities,” says Jenna Pollock, Director of Clayton County Conservation Board.
Alpine Communications believes connected communities become thriving communities. Located in Northeast Iowa, Alpine is the local telephone company that became a 21st century communications provider. We provide internet, television, cellular, security … and telephone too! We promise personal, timely, reliable service from people who live here. When you choose us, we all thrive. Connect with Alpine Communications at www.alpinecom.net.
About Aureon
Aureon is a business solutions provider who connects possibilities to productivity by providing unique and scalable business support services for organizations – small and large. Headquartered in the heart of the Midwest, and serving clients nationally with a presence in 48 states, Aureon offers a comprehensive suite of support solutions, with a focus on Technology, HR and Contact Center services. Aureon’s unique combination of talent, technology and tools enable clients to focus on their core business.
The Ripple Effect program, a partnership alliance between Aureon and Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), is designed to advance the business and community development vitality of rural Iowa by joining local Independent Telecommunications Companies and partnering municipalities in their economic development initiatives. The Ripple Effect program makes available low-interest loans to business applicants and planning grants to communities and their economic development partners for various types of community development projects. At a minimum, the Independent Telecommunications Companies matches the local financial assistance provided by Ripple Effect. Other Ripple Effect services include financial packaging for development projects; research and education; awareness and training; business marketing and outreach; and development project facilitation including direct financial assistance through loans and grants from Aureon.
For more information about this grant or the Ripple Effect program, contact Brittany Morales, Vice President of Community Initiatives, IADG; bmorales@iadg.com or call 515-777-7308.
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