To help the area’s industries, a new facility at the Laurens High School is helping to provide skilled training.

The Northwest Iowa Career Education Academy is a partnership with Iowa Central Community College and the Laurens-Marathon Community School District.

Tom Grau, executive director of the Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission, said that there’s a great need for the Academy.

“We need workforce throughout this whole area,” Grau said. “Industry has been clamoring for workforce. Jobs are plentiful but workforce is short.”

-Messenger file photo
Laurens Public Library Director Glenda Mulder plays one of the instruments in the Laurens Public Library’s music garden.

The Academy has high-tech equipment, labs and classrooms geared toward helping students develop the skills needed in modern manufacturing. Workers with tech skill are highly prized by employers.

“The manufacturing industry in the area is facing an urgent need for highly trained technicians,” he said.

The partnership with the school district and Iowa Central benefits everyone.

“Not only Laurens but also area schools too,” he said.

Dan Kinney, president of Iowa Central, is looking forward to seeing the Academy and the partnership in action.

“We are looking forward to the numerous ways the facility will serve the needs of the communities and businesses in northwest Iowa,” Kinney said.

There are already students who have earned certifications at the Academy and there are more to come in the near future.

“The inaugural Integrated Manufacturing Advancement Program was held at the Academy from September though December,” Grau said. “It graduated three students on Dec. 17. A production welding certification course is currently in session through April 1.”

Laurens also has an award winning library director.

Glenda Mulder received the Boss of the Year Award from the Pocahontas County Economic Development Foundation earlier this year.

“I was really just blown away,” Mulder said. “I was just totally amazed.”

Since taking the position in 2006 after working as a part-time librarian since 2000, Mulder has overseen many upgrades and improvements there including up-to-date computers, iPads for patrons and the construction of a music garden on the library grounds.

The outdoor instruments were purchased with community support and a grant.

She enjoys them herself and can’t resist playing them when she walks by one.

“It’s very Zen like,” she said. “It’s fun.”

The music garden is now complete and in spite of snow on the ground, still sees plenty of use.

“For now we’re going to call it complete,” she said. “It looks as cool in the winter as it does in the summer. It’s fun to watch people of all ages use that.”

Mulder is also proud of the Academy at the school.

“It’s great for our industrial community,” she said. “It’s a great use of space that was already there.”

In addition to her duties at the library, Mulder is also a member of the Laurens Chamber of Commerce and Laurens Historic Preservation Commission.

She said several new businesses have opened their doors.

One of them is Rhi’s Real Beauty and the other is Embrace Boutique.

“Embrace Boutique won the Business of the Year from the Pocahontas County Economic Development Foundation,” Mulder said. “The last three years its been won by businesses right here in Laurens.”

The Pocahontas County Foundation has also given Laurens a $5,000 grant for a piece of public art in Sportsman Park.

She said it will incorporate elements from local manufacturers in its design. She said local manufacturers have pledged support as well, in addition to the grant.

Grants were also awarded to the Laurens Care Center for landscaping improvements and the Chamber of Commerce Boosters for folding picnic tables.