CLARION – As newly appointed Wright County Economic Development Director, Bryce Davis is at the forefront of the ongoing bird flu crisis.

With a large population of egg-laying chickens, Wright County has not escaped its effects, said Davis, a native of Ida Grove who has been on the job since April.

“Iowa state agencies are saying that it is slowing down,” he said.

Davis said the county alone could show a payroll loss of $1 million this year.

“We are looking for employment opportunities for those who have lost their jobs, so we do not lose good employees from our county,” he said.

Despite the poultry setback, Davis said the county is experiencing interest by several businesses to possibly locate or expand operations.

“It is always easier to help existing businesses to expand than it is to attract new businesses and corporations to any area,” he said. “We are always looking to improve the current business climate and to diversify. It is not always best to have only ag businesses, so we don’t have all of our ‘eggs in one basket.'”

Wright County is currently one of several counties working with the state’s Home Base Iowa program.

“The state program works to pair up military veterans with local employers to find potentially good employees jobs, locally,” Davis said. “It’s an opportunity to get hard-working vets into the work force.”

Marketing existing buildings in Wright County is high on Davis’ agenda, he said.

“We have several buildings which were built for smaller businesses,” he said. “Plus, we have some buildings which could work nicely for a number of possibilities.”

On the positive news front, the Wright County Charitable Foundation exceeded its goal of having $1 million in its endowment fund, Davis said.

Twice each year, WCCF grants money derived from various sources, including state gaming funds.

“The spring cycle, we were able to grant more than $60,000 to 32 applications by nonprofit groups across Wright County to enhance worthwhile projects that benefit residents and visitors,” Davis said.

Davis said he looks forward to all the possibilities awaiting the county. He said the towns in the county each have distinct personalities and all have “interesting dynamics” to make things happen in their individual communities.

“I see a desire by the people and groups with which I am working to make a difference,” Davis said. “I am enjoying getting to know them all better and how we can all work together. I think it is great place with lots of opportunities.”