After almost two decades, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) will be bidding adieu to Executive Director, Bill Trickey. As he steps down from his role at the Development Corporation, the progress and advances he helped the board accomplish over his 18-year tenure will impact Clarke County and Osceola, Iowa for years to come.
“It’s always been my mission to position Clarke County and our community for the future,” said Trickey of his time with the CCDC. “Some of our successes are driving future decisions and making working and living in south central Iowa a truly rewarding experience.”
In May of 2006, Trickey took the lead at the Development Corporation. From their incorporation in 1969 to that time, the CCDC had ridden a wave of business development success by attracting and growing manufacturing and building a strong industrial base. With anchor industry leaders like Hormel/Osceola Foods and Miller Products Company, the CCDC attracted more manufacturers to the area, including SIMCO Drilling Equipment, the Altec Osceola Body Plant, Paul Mueller Company, Countryside Tank/Iowa Steel and Select Genetics.
After 18-years with the Clarke County Development Corporation, Bill Trickey bids farewell.
“Those who came before me did a lot to build a foundation our area could grow on,” said Trickey. “My job was really to amplify their successes and take aim at the future of the community.”
With the new Eddy Saylor Business Park in development, Trickey’s initial assignment was to implement new infrastructure there and attract even more businesses to the area. Within the next decade new businesses like Iowa Steel, Iowa Select Farms, Frito Lay, and more relocated to Clarke County, bringing new and versatile jobs to the community. From 2010 to the latest readings by the Iowa Economic Development Authority in 2023, non-farm jobs in Clarke County, Iowa grew more than 12% (from ~4,300 to exceeding 4,900 by October of ‘23), outpacing business growth in communities across southern Iowa.
As roads and utilities stretched to the park west of Interstate-35, Trickey and the Development Corporation also saw opportunities to help local and regional businesses with the creation of new workforce housing as well as supporting local non-profits and school districts through generous grants, donations. They did this all while strategically investing in the development and creation of the area’s growing a trail system, adding to the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in Clarke County.
With a multitude of growing businesses, the demand for leadership counseling and support became a big request across the local business community. To answer the call, Bill and the CCDC created and facilitated the CCDC Leadership Academy for adults looking to gain valuable leadership skills and capitalize on advancement opportunities. For students, the CCDC hosted Dale Carnegie’s Generation Next programs focused on teaching juniors and seniors in high school the necessary confidence, business, and leadership skills needed to succeed after graduation.
In 2023, an additional 122 homes were under construction in the Vesta Village development off Truman Road in the southwest area of Osceola. This, along with an 18-unit complex on South Gustin and more than a half dozen owner-occupied developments throughout the community increased workforce housing opportunities and spurred home-ownership throughout the area by a staggering 147 new homes for Clarke County and its growing business base. Of course, CCDC is not new to influencing the local housing market. They have provided funding for 13 High School Building Trades houses over the last two decades and operate a Housing Incentive program. That program helps spur new home building by acquiring the lot for the prospective home owner.
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Finally, in March of 2024, as a fitting “Final act,” Bill and the CCDC will break ground on the ORBIT Education and Training Center in Osceola, Iowa. In a management agreement with Southwestern Community College, this 10,000+ -sq. ft. facility will support local industry as well as offer continuing education opportunities for business and students across south central Iowa. Initially focusing on manufacturing and industry development, the ORBIT center will be designed to grow, offering day and evening courses in subjects ranging from computer technology including programming and A.I., to culinary arts and brew master or distilling classes, as well as business management, communications, and hospitality.
“Some projects take days and some take decades,” said Amy Lampe, President at First National Bank in Osceola and long-time CCDC board member. “Bill has been committed to seeing the process through as it changes over time. There isn’t a corner of the community that he hasn’t touched.”
Lampe, who leads a committee to study the role being vacated by Trickey, says the job description and responsibilities associated to the CCDC Executive Director position, including the management of the QSO for Lakeside Casino’s license for the County, will be developed through the committee and ultimately reviewed and approved by the board in their February meeting. From there, the board will post and perform an executive search for Mr. Trickey’s replacement.
“While my final day at the CCDC post will be March 29th, I don’t plan on simply walking off into the sunset,” said Trickey. “This community has been generous to me, and my family and I look forward to seeing all of our hard work come to fruition.”
After leaving the CCDC, Bill and his wife, Vicky, will enjoy spending time on their 275-acre farm in southern Warren County, managing and maintaining their CRP, along with their five miniature ponies.