PALMER — Housing, workforce and quality of life were three topics of interest during the Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission annual meeting Wednesday night at the Palmer Community Building.

The joint meeting with the Pocahontas County Foundation also included over $100,000 in grants that were awarded to local organizations.

“Team efforts are paying off,” said Tom Grau, executive director of PCEDC. “Many individuals have contributed many volunteer hours to move our communities and businesses forward.”

In addition to new housing developments, Grau said the county is focusing on existing housing. One of the ways cities may address that is through a nuisance enforcement program.

“We need to make sure that we are keeping our communities looking nice,” Grau said.

Grau said that a memorandum of understanding has been prepared on the nuisance programs. All cities in Pocahontas County are encouraged to participate.

In terms of workforce, Grau said the Iowa Central Community College career academy in Laurens has been successful to this point. He anticipates that having an impact in the county in future years.

The career academy provides an option for high school students to enroll in college-level courses for specific career paths.

The county continues to explore ways to enhance its recreational opportunities. Grau said canoeing at Lizard Lake has become more popular in recent years.

“Thank heavens Pocahontas County is moving forward in these areas,” Grau said.

Among the accomplishments highlighted by Grau was the recognition of the county’s website as No. 1in the state in 2021.

“Our website was recognized at the tourism conference as the No. 1 rural tourism website in the whole state of Iowa,” Grau said. “It takes a team effort to continue to get the word out.”

The Iowa Tourism office named DiscoverPoco.com as the 2021 best rural tourism website in the state.

DiscoverPoco.com, short for “Discover Pocahontas County,” was launched by PCEDC in late August 2020. The website promotes all there is to see and do in Pocahontas County: outdoor recreation, historical sites, museums, shopping, dining, camping, events, and more.

Meanwhile, three special awards were presented. The Volunteer of the Year award went to Chad Cleveland, general manager of Laurens Municipal Power and Communications. Cleveland chairs the county’s housing committee and is heavily involved in the community, Grau said.

“He does so much for us,” he said.

Jacob Rittgers, of Rittgers Spine and Wellness, was named Boss of the Year. The Tavern 119 in Fonda was named the Business of the Year.

“Good things have been happening because of the investment of money and time,” Grau said. “We are confident that continued investment in both of these areas will continue to yield additional positive results.”

He added, “Whether it is an existing business, a new business or needed community assistance, we exist to help you.”

Here is a list of the grant recipients, what the money will be used for and the amount:

City of Laurens, pond improvements, $20,000

Pocahontas County Health Department, car seats and booster seats, $2,150.80

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, cricut machine, $500

Pocahontas County Conservation, handicap hunting blind/icehouse trailer, $5,000

POCO Emergency Response System, scoop stretcher, $2,662.17

Mags 4 Fonda Inc., water fountain/bottle filler, $2,900

Fonda HTP, heater and air conditioner, $1,927

Laurens Care Center, massage chairs, $3,000

Laurens Art Wave, steel turtle sculpture, $3,600

Laurens Library, desks, $4,790

Plover Library, electric chair lift, $3,650

Pocahontas Community Foundation, Dolby sound system, $3,000

Pocahontas Rotary, wood tractor and hay-rack, $1,506.90

Pocahontas HTP, camping and kiosk signs, $3,585

PAC Foundation, virtual reality equipment, $6,000

Pocahontas Golf Course, trees, $900

Rolfe HTP, hydrants and dump station, $4,100

Rolfe Ambulance, stair chair, $2,687

Rolfe Fire Department, updated SCBA, $4,805

Rolfe Rodeo, handicap accessible bathroom, $8,950

Varina HTP, Varina highway sign, $2,730

Total: $101,159.19