“The Wright County Board of Supervisors, along with Wright County Economic Development, city administrators, mayors and community members continually strive for growth and progress. That means we are here to answer any questions, find ways to meet their designated needs and work together for their success,” said Wright County Supervisor Karl Helgevold. “Ultimately, a business’ success means success for all the people of Wright County.”

Belmond is just one example of that growth in action. The former Pamida building, located at 347 E. Main St., has been purchased by Build A Better Belmond in partnership with the Papa John Business Center at North Iowa Area Community College. The 9,375-square-foot building will house a business incubator, offering assistance to start-up businesses.

Alongside the business growth, the community of Belmond is expanding its residential development. Located on Eighth Avenue Northeast, there are several lots available to purchase for the building of new homes. The first home will be put into place in June and is being built by Homes for Iowa, Inc., a program that is located in the Newton Correctional Facility. Wright County Economic Development is looking to introduce this use of affordable housing to other communities in the county.

With more residents comes more care needs, especially medical. Iowa Specialty Hospital & Clinics in Belmond announced that it has joined forces with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Chicago. This means residents in and around Wright County will now have access to advanced oncology care closer to home. Videoconferencing technologies will be used to provide expert diagnostics and care without the cost and time of travel.

A large need in many communities has been childcare and Belmond is showing growth there as well. Colt’s Corner Daycare Center announced plans to build in Belmond. It will eventually provide 155 new openings for daycare-aged kids, as well as bring 24 to 32 new jobs to the area. It was also the recipient of a $376,945 state grant from the Future Ready Iowa program.

Helgevold said Wright County Economic Development, Belmond Growth Alliance, and Build A Better Belmond have been working diligently to bring this much-needed increase in childcare availability to the area and are excited about what it means for the community.

Clarion is another community helping to grow Wright County.

In late December 2021, the City of Clarion was notified that it would be the recipient of an $8.1 million low-interest loan through the USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. Helgevold said this is a huge win for the city as it will allow them to build a new water treatment plant, bringing high-quality water to residents. It is slated to be located near the old Spinning Wheels Skating Rink. This project will also be receiving $600,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, which means the project is on track to happen without the need to raise patron’s water rates.

Gold-Eagle Cooperative is expanding, building a new elevator located north of Clarion on Madison Avenue/R38.

The daycare center, formerly known as Kids Korner, that was currently operating within the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows school building announced it will be relocating. It is anticipated to be moved into the new facility, located at the former Mosaic building just north of Brothers Market grocery store in Clarion, prior to July 1. This will allow the school district more room for students, and the daycare facility more room for children.

Eagle Grove saw lots of industrial growth in 2021 as well.

The Agribusiness Park located just south of Eagle Grove is situated on 80 acres of land near the intersection of Iowa Highway 17 and 320th Street near Prestage Foods of Iowa. The county purchased those acres in January 2019. In March 2021, Ennis Corp. was the first business to open its doors there with a washout business. Helgevold said Wright County Economic Development is excited about the opportunities that await other businesses to build in this location as well.

Daybreak Foods, Inc. broke ground in May 2021 on a raw egg production facility. The plant is anticipated to employ between 10 and 18 people. It is located on the north end of Eagle Grove on Iowa Highway 17. Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects could follow as customers’ needs arise.

With a growing population announced from the 2020 Census, Eagle Grove continues to work to meet growing housing demands. The city recently completed infrastructure work for a new housing district on the southeast side of town, just south of the Wellness Center. There are several lots available for purchase and home-building opportunities.

“For our size county, we really have a lot going on,” said Wright County Economic Development Director Darrel Steven Carlyle.