Cory and Colleen Conrad accepts the Economic Impact Award from Board Member Matt Wedemeyer.

A local economic development corporation reflected on its major changes at an annual event Thursday night, which took place in a community that’s seen large shifts in recent years as well.

Midwest Partnership held its annual dinner meeting at the Casey Community Building, its first since it changed from representing four area counties to now just Adair and Guthrie. Executive Director Sarah Gomez remarked that this has been a positive change for the organization in that it can greater target its two counties, “With the changes mentioned before it was time for the organization to really prioritize its strategies and there were five main priorities identified: business retention and expansion, business attraction, small business development, workforce development and talent attraction, and also housing.”

Another significant change in the last year for Midwest Partnership was its departure from Western Iowa Advantage region to join Greater Des Moines Partnership, who was represented by Executive Vice President of Economic Development David Maahs at the dinner. Jerry Sullivan was elected as the 2020 Board President, and one outgoing Board member was recognized for five years of service, Doug Burns. As the event was held in Casey, the first ever Economic Impact Award was given to a couple that’s made significant improvements on revitalizing downtown Casey, Colleen and Cory Conrad. Colleen and Kacey Peterson also served as the event’s guest speakers, sharing their accomplishments and ongoing efforts to elevate Casey including with the Casey Grant Committee.