All About Fort Dodge • 2023

PROUDLY SERVING FORT DODGE FOR OVER 76 YEARS!

Marcela Paulino-DaCosta DDS

Erika Bowman DDS

Kelsey Christensen RDH

Mary Larrabee RDH

Katie Riehl PMHNP

Holly McClintock PMHNP

Eileen Meier PMHNP

Roxanne Fevold LMHC, CADC

Kirsten Olson LISW

Janet Secor DO

Lisa Chase ARNP Ann Feser ARNP

Jennifer Zigrang ARNP

Bonni Herpst LISW

Elizabeth Stoebe DO

Sydney Hensley RDH

Savannah Adkins tLMHC

Angela Crosby LISW

Tayler Rasch ARNP

Thaylan Bowman DDS

Did you know GreenState is consistently ranked in the Top 1% Nationally for returning profits with better rates & lower fees? That means one of the Top financial institutions in the country, is here in Fort Dodge.

CEO’s Welcome

Astra Ferris, CEO Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and The Messenger are pleased to present this publication as a reference and guide for the Greater Fort Dodge region. The Greater Fort Dodge area continues to experience economic growth as well as significant improvements to the quality of life for all our current and future citizens. This growth is unprecedented in recent history and is a result of increased engagement and collaboration between our citizens and our institutions. Economic and community development go hand in hand and the Greater Fort Dodge region recognizes that an economically viable community is one that is a great place to live, work, and play.

We have a variety of industrial bases with a very strong global presence, that utilizes area inputs, and has very

large capital inputs, making them less susceptible to market fluctuations.

This growth has been concurrent with quality-of-life improvement that include increased recreational opportunities, as well as a world-class OHV (off highway vehicle) Park. A location on the Des Moines River, which is currently undergoing riverfront improvements such as a new nature center, Lizard Creek and its excellent water trail system, fine arts, quality healthcare, and leading educational opportunities also make this a great place to visit or call home.

Thank you to all of our Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance investors and members, and to all the residents that have made this such a great place to live, work, and play.

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an efficient organization whose mission is to unify and coordinate accountable economic and community development, to enhance the quality of life in Fort Dodge, Iowa and the region.

All About Greater Fort Dodge

MAYOR’S WELCOME City of

Fort Dodge is a city that I am proud to call home. I believe our community is and has been experiencing some of the most exciting developments and opportunities in our city’s history. As Mayor and on behalf of our City Council, I would like to extend to you a warm and genuine welcome to the City of Fort Dodge and Webster County. Fort Dodge is the county seat for Webster County, IA with a population of over 26,000 and serves as a regional retail hub for the surrounding communities.

With a rich history Fort Dodge was founded in 1869 as a military fort. We were built around the mining industry (gypsum, clay, and limestone), then animal pharmaceuticals, and now with bio-chem/bio tech and other agriculture related industries. Over the years Fort Dodge has seen many changes with the addition and expansion of companies like CJ Bio America, Cargill, Elanco, Friendship Haven, Unity Point, and AML Riverside. We continue to experience economic growth as our community comes together to find ways to make Fort Dodge a dynamic and exciting place to live. Additionally, Fort Dodge’s Historic Downtown was recently designated

as a “Main Street Iowa” community which highlights the vibrancy of the varied small businesses, boutiques, and restaurants located in the downtown area. The City of Fort Dodge is dedicated to working in partnership with The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, local businesses and area citizens to enhance our quality of life.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming community with picturesque neighborhoods, firstclass educational opportunities, state-of-the-art health services, many service clubs and organizations, an array of arts and culture as well as boundless activities through recreation, local attractions and entertainment venues. Through purposeful collaboration we have made great strides to develop our infrastructure, retail sector, and recreational and educational opportunities that have helped our community thrive.

Again, I welcome you to our great community and invite you to discover why Fort Dodge is a strong community in which to live, work and play.

Matt Bemrich

Mayor, City of Fort Dodge

WELCOME TO WEBSTER COUNTY

We’re thrilled you’re here! As Chairman of the Webster County Board of Supervisors, I speak for us all when I say that we hope you enjoy your time here. Webster County is a wonderful place filled with friendly people, exciting recreational activities, and beautiful scenery. Here in Northwest Iowa, you can do your fair share of fishing, cycling, and camping. Perhaps you’d like to take your side-by-side for a spin through the Gypsum City OHV Park or dine at any number of fantastic locally-owned restaurants. We’re big on community here in Webster County, and that’s evident from the wide variety of arts activities, sporting events, and festivals. From the bustling, innovative economic opportunities to the peacefulness of the lush green hills flanking the Des Moines River, Webster County is a large community with small town hospitality. Whether you’re here for a long weekend visit or you’re here to make Webster County home, we invite you to check out all of the ways we put the We in Webster!

Webster County Map

Niki Conrad Webster County Supervisor Board Chair

CITY OF MANSON

Manson is ideally located on Highway 7 between Fort Dodge and Twin Lakes, just eleven miles west of the rapidly growing Iowa Crossroads of Global Innovation Industrial Park, and within five miles of four-lane Highway 20, making it a sought-after location for new residents within the region. With a population of nearly 1,700, Manson’s quality of life is exceptional. The community known for its excellent education system, athletic facilities, quality housing, safe public areas, strong musical heritage, active organizations and numerous quality of life amenities; Manson Area Community Center offering state of the art work out equipment and gymnasium and Manson Golf and Country Club featuring a beautiful nine-hole course offering league and tournament play. The Manson Aquatic Center provides a modern pool and water play area for adults and children alike. Manson is home to six churches.

The City of Mason enjoys working with the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, community organizations, businesses, and residents to enhance our community’s quality of life. The planning for community amenities is always evolving with the city recently completing their Main Street Project, the development of new Youth Cougar Club’s baseball and softball fields, resurfacing of the tennis and pickleball courts, and ongoing projects to enhance and expand the Seavert Trail.

As mayor, and on behalf of our City Council, I invite you to visit Manson and see for yourself all that our community has to offer. Manson is small town living at its finest!

Dave Anderson, Mayor, City of Manson, IA

Pickleball Court

Youth Ball Diamond Seavert Trail

CITY OF GOWRIE

Gowrie welcomes you to Webster County! We are the second largest city in the county with a population of around 1,000. We have many amenities here that residents and visitors enjoy including three wonderful city parks, playgrounds, dog park, a municipal golf course, swimming pool, roller skating rink, and a disc golf course. The Southeast Valley School District office is located here, as is the high school. We also have a fully accredited day care. Gowrie supports two churches (Gowrie Methodist and Zion Lutheran).

Many new retail stores have been added to our downtown commercial district which includes a fullservice community owned grocery store, gift shops & antiques, convenience store, auto service stations, lawyer, restaurants, and many other services. Gowrie Municipal Utilities provides electricity, water and sewer with recent upgrades featuring standalone 24/7 power generation. Gowrie is completely covered with fiber-optic, high-speed internet making it easy to conduct business or work from home.

CITY OF DAYTON

Dayton is a hidden gem. Tucked in southeast Webster County, this small town features big city amenities like world-class high speed internet and an excellent school system. Add to this the 85-year-old Dayton Rodeo—one of the largest rodeos in Iowa—and we think you’ll agree with us that Dayton is a very special place indeed.

In Dayton, we invest in our children. The Dayton Elementary school—part of the Southeast Valley School District—recently built a brand-new addition that houses, among other things, an award-winning preschool and day care. In 2019, the school was named an Exemplary High Performing School by the United States Department of Education.

We also value senior citizens in Dayton, not only offering affordable housing options and a fullequipped long-term care facility, but also many social opportunities for those 55+ including the BASE Senior Fitness Class, the Dayton Dreamers club, and partnerships with RSVP—Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

In between childhood and retirement, Dayton offers the slower speed of country living with some of the

Health care services available in Gowrie include a medical clinic & pharmacy, dental, optometry, two veterinary clinics, chiropractic & rehabilitation care as well as senior citizen assisted living housing and elderly meals program. Gowrie is a safe place to live because of our full-time police department and volunteer ambulance and fire departments.

Our progressive community leaders organize many social events throughout the year including our FAMOUS 4th of July celebration with a huge parade and carnival and other popular attractions. Go to Gowrie.org for all the details!

Stop by to see us and discover why there’s “Go In Gowrie”!!!

Bruce Towne, Mayor, City of Gowrie, IA

fastest, most advanced internet in the country. Folks can join the telecommute trend and work from home, sitting on a quiet porch, enjoying a cup of coffee, and watching the children walk down the street to school. The Dayton Community Club and other groups in Dayton plan fun activities all year around including horse drawn sleigh rides in the park in December, a Ladies Night Out in October, and farmer’s markets in the summer. The golf course at Oak Park is one of most challenging and most beautiful in Iowa and even features a restaurant.

In addition, Dayton has three churches and numerous businesses for your shopping pleasure. No need to leave town to do your shopping—we have it all right here in town.

We cordially invite you to Dayton: a small town with big amenities and friendly people—and a world-class rodeo to boot!

Dave BIlls Mayor, Dayton, IA

We offer the advantages of both a large and small school focusing on the needs of each child while providing students with numerous academic opportunities focused on 21st century learning and extra-curricular activities.

demographics

Webster County

Total Population: 24,047

Median Age: 39

Median Home Value: $108,449

Home Ownership Rate: 60.94%

Median Household Income: $44,097

Average Commute Time: 14 minutes

FRONTIER, EXPANSION, POTENTIAL

the confluence of the Des Moines River and Lizard Creek.

• Fort Dodge was originally named Fort Clarke.

• Major William Williams, the military fort post storekeeper, purchased the land and buildings and platted the town for Fort Dodge in 1854. The town of Fort Dodge was officially founded in 1869.

• The arrival of four railroads and the discovery of gypsum assured the growth of Fort Dodge.

• By 1900 Fort Dodge was producing 25% of the world’s supply of plaster. Webster County was Iowa’s leading producer of clay products.

• In 2010, Fort Dodge received the designation of an “Iowa Great Place”.

• Fort Dodge was named top 15 America’s Best Communities in 2015.

FLOYD OF ROSEDALE’S ORIGIN

The Loomis Family owned the Rosedale Farms on the east side of Fort Dodge. They owned the largest dairy farm in the county and raised hogs. One of those hogs, Floyd of Rosedale, was given as the settlement of a bet between the Iowa and Minnesota governors and the football team both states play against each other. A sculpture of Floyd still serves as the trophy in that football rivalry.

Iowa State Senators

Tim Kraayenbrink – 5th District tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov

Jesse Green – 24th District jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov

Iowa State Representatives

Ann Meyer – 9th District ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov

Mike Sexton – 10th District mike.sexton@legis.iowa.gov

Robert Bacon – 48th District rob.bacon@legis.iowa.gov

U.S. Congress

Randy Feenstra – 4th District Fort Dodge office: 515-302-7060

U.S. Senators

Charles Grassley

Local office: 319-363-6832

Joni Ernst

Local office: 712-252-1638

Fort Dodge is home to the Webster County Courthouse, Iowa Second Judicial District Court, Webster County Magistrate Court and an Iowa State Supreme Court Justice.

• Vibrant economic development opportunities throughout the region require seamless connections between businesses, industries, and government. Fort Dodge and the surrounding region are fortunate to have such connections.

• The City of Fort Dodge has embraced a LEAN Government initiative under the guidance of the City Manager, David Fierke.

• The Webster County Supervisors act as the general business managers for County Government. They perform such tasks as, establishing policies, appointing county department heads, preparing budgets, and a variety of responsibilities involving agriculture, conservation, and zoning.

• The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance acts as the economic development facilitator amongst these groups and works continuously with local, state, and federal governments.

When

EDUCATION

• Fort Dodge Community Schools provides a public education for Pre-K through 12th grade, including the Gordon Willard Alternative Program to serve students with special needs.

• St. Edmond Catholic Schools provides a private education for students in Pre-K through 12th grade.

• Additional faith based educational opportunities are offered through St. Paul Lutheran Schools, Community Christian Schools.

• Manson Northwest Webster and Southeast Valley Schools districts are also located in Webster County offering Pre-K through 12th grade education.

• Iowa Central Community College is a twoyear public institution offering career option programs, transfer programs and non-credit courses. Area high school students have the opportunity to earn college credits through the dual credit program at no cost. High School students can also participate in one of many Career Academies. Career Academies provide a unique opportunity for students from different school districts to enroll in a specific set of courses associated with a career area of which the student might be interested.

• Buena Vista University also has a satellite branch on the Iowa Central Community College campus so students can earn a four-year degree without ever leaving Fort Dodge.

health services

HOSPITALS, DOCTORS, CLINICS

Fort Dodge and Webster County have a full range of health care providers including dozens of specialists, doctors, dentists, chiropractors and eye doctors.

HEALTH SERVICES

• Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC) – serves Iowa children and youth, birth through 21 years of age, who have or at risk of having a special healthcare need. These can include chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, behavioral or developmental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and more complex medical needs like spina bifida.

CHSC provides a variety of services including Family to Family support, Care Coordination, Clinical Services, and Systems building through a variety of programs. An essential part of our work at CHSC is family to family support through our Family Navigators. Family Navigators are staff members who are also the parent or primary caregiver of a child with special health care needs. They work with families of children with any special health care needs to provide emotional support, systems navigation, and connection to community resources.

Our Programs:

• Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute

• Early ACCESS Service Coordination

• Nutrition Services

• Health and Disability Waiver Supports

• Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program

• Iowa Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative

• Iowa Autism Learning Community

• Storytelling for Families

Contact us at 515-955-8326 for more information or visit our website at www.chsciowa.org

• The mission of LifeWorks is to provide opportunities for growth and achievement for persons with disabilities who face barriers to independence and integration in employment and daily living.

• Golden Day Adult Day’s mission is to provide safe and caring adult services that will offer meaningful programs to enhance the dignity, independence, and quality of life of older persons and individuals with disabilities.

UnityPoint Health’s region of health care experts includes:

• UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center – A non-profit hospital serving Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities. As a designated regional referral center, Trinity offers a wide range of primary and secondary care services.

• UnityPoint Health – Trinity Emergency Department – A 21 bed, Level IV trauma center with emergency, trauma and hazmat services. UnityPoint Health LifeFlight II air ambulance is also based at Trinity.

• UnityPoint Clinic – Express – Located centrally in Fort Dodge, individuals can seek high-quality urgent care seven days a week for non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. Individuals can either walk into the clinic or reserve a spot online.

• UnityPoint Health – Trinity Birth Center –Compassionate labor and nursery nurses, with more than 400 years of experience, help moms through labor, delivery and caring for baby. Eight beautiful birthing suites are fully equipped to make baby’s appearance into the world a special one. Additionally, Blank Children’s Hospitalists provide 24/7 inpatient pediatric and newborn nursery care at Trinity to meet the unique health care needs of our youngest patients.

• UnityPoint Clinic – A full array of Family Medicine services, including walk-in care, as well as several specialty clinics.

• UnityPoint Health – Berryhill Center – An outpatient mental health clinic, integrated with primary care locations, offers a complete range of counseling and therapy services to individuals, families, and couples, for all age groups. In addition, Berryhill Center offers a behavioral health urgent care Monday through Friday.

• UnityPoint at Home – Whether learning to manage a chronic disease, transitioning home from the hospital, or rehabilitating after an injury or surgery, UnityPoint at Home allows individuals to continue the level of care necessary to help restore health, well-being and independence from the comfort of their home.

UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in Iowa to receive the DNV Hip & Knee Replacement Program Certification. This certification recognizes excellence in hip and knee replacement surgery and related procedures, including diagnosis, surgery, and therapies.

Community Health Center of Fort Dodge accepts people as they are and helps them to live the life they want to live by providing personalized, quality, medical, dental and behavioral health services to all. Medical services include primary and preventative care for all ages as well as acute appointments. Dental services include comprehensive examinations and treatment, Behavioral services include psychiatric, medication management and therapy services. The clinic also staffs a social worker to assist patients with connecting to other local resources they may be in need of and a financial advocate who can help with payment plans and enrollment.

In addition to the services they provide they are active in the community. Each year they hold a sock drive called ‘socks for the sole’ and a coat drive titled ‘coats for kids’ where items are distributed to any child in need of them. A back-to-school event is also held each August where health care services are provided to children prior to the start of the school year.

Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is a federally qualified health center and is open to all, regardless of insurance status. The health center accepts most private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and offers a sliding fee scale to those to qualify. They are recognized as a patient centered medical home. Community Health Center of Fort Dodge also has a clinic in Mason City, Iowa and a medical only clinic in Dayton, Iowa.

Webster County Health Department

is dedicated to promoting and maintaining health throughout the community via the development of community health programs. The department implements plans to prevent disease and disability while also providing comprehensive care to those in need.

From infants to the elderly, we offer many programs and services for all ages as part of our vision to promote and improve the health, quality of life, and environment of the whole community.

Webster County Health Department coordinates with outside resources for the betterment of our health care systems while continually seeking new ways to be responsive to the ever-changing community health needs.

For more information on any of our programs or services contact:

Webster County Health Department

723 1st Ave S, Ste 220

Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Phone: 515-573-4107

Email: public_health@webstercountyia.org

HIGHWAYS, AIR, RAIL, BUS

Fort Dodge, Webster County has access to transportation systems that connect our region to the world.

• Access to a population of nearly 70 million within a one-day drive and can reach almost all of the United States within a two-day drive.

• Fort Dodge is in the crossroads of two class one railroads: Union Pacific Railroad and Canadian National.

• Fort Dodge is home to the Fort Dodge Regional Airport with regular commercial flights to Chicago.

• DART is the area transit system that provides local shuttle services Monday through Friday.

• Since the completion of Highway 20 in 2018, Webster County now has four lane access to both the east and west borders of the state.

• Whether you are looking for a starter, a family-friendly or snow-bird accommodation, the greater Fort Dodge Region has an abundance of diverse quality places for you to call home. Homes are affordable in our region with the median cost of a home is just $95,662. We offer safe neighborhoods with amenities, such as, parks, trails, schools and more nearby.

• If renting is more your style, the region offers several opportunities from single family homes, duplexes and modern apartment accommodations. Several new developments are being built with single and attached home options available. If you prefer to live outside of city limits there are several acreages and small housing developments in the county or smalltown living opportunities throughout the region and only minutes from work!

From starter homes to retirement living, the Fort Dodge region offers a wide variety of housing options to meet the needs of our community.

The housing market in Fort Dodge and the surrounding region provides wonderful and affordable choices to meet a wide range of needs.

HOUSING

With many choices for housing and activities, the Fort Dodge area is a great place to retire.

• Fort Dodge offers a wide range of housing opportunities that include affordable single-dwelling homes, condominiums and apartments specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s active retirement community.

• Fort Dodge has several retirement options that specialize in all levels of senior housing from independent living to skilled nursing facilities.

• Citizen’s Central (C2) Senior Center offers social activities, educational classes, exercise equipment and classes, as well as a meal program.

• Many opportunities for active seniors to get involved including Foster Grandparents, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), BRIDGES mentoring program, Pride in Community Appearance (PICA) and various civic and church organizations.

• Continued learning and educational opportunities available at Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Iowa Central Community College, Webster County ISU Extension & Outreach and the Fort Dodge Public Library.

shopping, dining & lodging

CORRIDOR OF COMMERCE, DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, BOUTIQUES

Shopping for all occasions is available in Fort Dodge.

• Specialty shops, national chain department and discount stores, one-of-a-kind gift boutiques and antique shops provide unique and fun shopping experiences in the Fort Dodge region.

• Fort Dodge city leaders partnered with the developer group Corridor Plaza Development, LLC to re-envision a thriving, comprehensive retail complex complete with dining, entertainment, lodging, convenience services, a plaza for outdoor events and recreation activities, and a pavilion where year-round events and celebrations can be held.

• Visit our historic downtown for a wide variety of specialty and boutique shops.

SHOPPING, DINING & LODGING

EAT, SLEEP, ENJOY

Fort Dodge has a variety of choices when it comes to dining out or staying overnight in one of our area hotels.

• With everything from fresh, locally grown produce and meat, to restaurants with international cuisines, dining in Fort Dodge will provide an enjoyable and delicious experience.

• With over 70 restaurants and lounges, you will find a variety of national chain establishments as well as many locally owned restaurants and pubs.

• Fort Dodge is home to Iowa Central Community College, the top ranked school in Iowa with a culinary program.

• With more than 800 rooms available, visitors have excellent choices for lodging including national chains and locally owned establishments.

Recreation

FORT DODGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

see, do & experience

WITH SO MANY FUN PLACES TO ENJOY IN OUR REGION, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS TO SUIT EVERYONE’S INTERESTS.

Learn more at www.greaterfortdodge.com

• Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

• Community Orchard

• Dolliver State Park

• Fort Frenzy Entertainment Center

• The Fort Museum & Frontier Village

• Fort Dodge Community Recreation Center

• Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex

• John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

• Lizard Creek and Des Moines River Trails

• Oleson Park Splashpad, Park and Bandshell

• Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center

• Shellabration

• Downtown Country Jam

• Soldier Creek Nature Trail

• Camp Wanoki

• Sports Park Raceway

entertainment, arts & culture

ENJOY, SOCIALIZE, MUSIC, FUN, FINE ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE

The Fort Dodge region boasts endless options to keep you and the whole family entertained with an average of over 40 arts and cultural events each month. Browse through our local art museum and galleries. Listen to our symphony orchestra, local bands, blues society shows, choral ensembles, school groups, as well as other performing ensembles and live music.

• The Annual Shellabration live concert event brings top name musical acts to Fort Dodge, like Sammy Hagar and the Circle with special guest Vince Neil of Motley Crue in 2019.

• The Frontier Days festival, held annually on the first weekend in June, features a parade, historical reenactments, family activities and live entertainment.

• Applefest, held each fall at the Community Orchard, attracts families from around the state.

• Gowrie’s Annual 4th of July Celebration includes days of fun activities.

• Manson Greater Crater Days celebration is held the last weekend each June.

• Downtown Country Jam is an exciting night of well-known country music artists. Located in Historic Downtown Fort Dodge, concertgoers can expect an evening with some of their favorite tunes with a few thousand of their closest friends.

• Dayton PRCA National Championship Rodeo brings riders from throughout the nation to compete over the Labor Day weekend.

• The Karl King Band is a municipal band that holds an annual concert series in the Karl King Bandshell during June and July and indoor concerts at Decker Auditorium in February and March.

www.greaterfortdodge.com

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE

Fort Dodge is fortunate to have 3 theatre groups:

• The Hawkeye Community Theatre, which was founded in 1957, provides an annual dinner theatre, annual dessert theatre, and six shows each season.

• Comedia Musica Players, a local musical theatre troupe, was founded in 1968 and performs one full-length musical theatre production annually in the fall.

• Stage Door Productions, which is currently beginning its 7th season, delivers musical theatre training and experiences for youth, including a Summer Musical, 2 Cabaret shows and a small cast adult winter production. SDP also provides a variety of educational opportunities for youth and adults each year.

• The Blanden Art Museum has an extensive permanent collection as well as touring exhibits and was the first public museum of art to open in Iowa.

• The Fort Museum and Frontier Village hosts Frontier’s Day in June which features historical reenactments, family activities and live entertainment.

• The Fort Dodge Public Arts Coalition was formed to place, enhance, share, and celebrate visual art in public spaces throughout Fort Dodge.

PROFESSIONAL & SOCIAL NETWORKING

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, along with many other businesses and community organizations, is committed to supporting professional development initiatives. Networking opportunities are available through a multitude of organizations and activities in the Fort Dodge region.

leading production industries

Fort Dodge and Webster County are situated in prime territory for attracting and expanding renowned businesses in the areas of: bio-related industries including commodity-based processing and animal health and nutrition; building and construction products; and advanced manufacturing.

Advantech Limited

Manufacturer of animal health products

AML Riverside

Manufacturer of animal pharmaceuticals

BHJ USA, Inc.

Manufacturer of meat ingredients

C&S Products Company Inc.

Manufacturers of wild bird specialty products

Calcium Products

Manufactures agricultural and turf products

Cargill

Wet corn milling facility

Cerne Calcium Company

Industrial and feed grade calcium products

CJ Bio America

Animal feed ingredients

Elanco Animal Health

Manufacturer and distributor of prescription and over-the-counter animal health care products

Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Corporation

Manufactures gypsum wallboard

INDUSTRY

Josephson Manufacturing Company

Manufacturer of radiators for agricultural and off-road equipment

Koch Fertilizer

Agricultural chemicals

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

Manufacturer of crushed stone

National Gypsum Company

Manufactures gypsum for wallboard and base coat plaster manufacturing

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

Manufactures and distributes pet food and nutritional products

POET Biorefining

Producer of ethanol

Shur-Co of Iowa

Tarps for trucks and trailers, electric roll tarps, cable systems, belted, arm-style, and cargo control

Silgan Containers Manufacturing Corporation

Leading consumer goods packaging and manufacturer producing aluminum food containers

United States Gypsum Corporation

Manufacturer of gypsum-based building materials including dry wall, joint compounds and plasters

Valero Renewables

Producer of ethanol

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector constitutes a major portion of the economy in Webster County grossing $1.19 billion in 2022, which makes up 38% of Webster County’s total Gross Regional Product (GRP). In 2022, there were 2,378 people employed in the manufacturing sector making up more than 13% of the workforce. Employment can be expected to grow as more companies look to invest or expand their operations in the greater Fort Dodge area.

In Webster County, the average annual earnings of a person employed in manufacturing was $85,551 compared to the average annual earnings of $67,335 across all industries in 2022. Furthermore, the average annual earnings in manufacturing in Webster County have increased by 7% over the past 5 years, outpacing the average growth around the U.S. and Iowa.

*Gross Regional Product is the market value of all final goods and services produced in Webster County.

There are a variety of different businesses and products produced in the manufacturing sector in Webster County. This mainly includes biological products and ethyl alcohol, which makes up more than half of production in the manufacturing sector. However, gypsum products, nitrogen fertilizers, basic organic chemicals, animal foods, and metal cans are also manufactured in Webster County.

GROWTH SPURTS

With the lag in COVID recovery, Webster County only experienced two industrial expansions; however, significant to the region.

Cargill invests over $50 Million in its existing facility to add a new product line. They will begin making corn syrup at a food grade level, which is the first food grade product being produced at the Fort Dodge/Webster County plant. By diversifying and producing a higher value product, it creates additional stability to the plant. The company will add some engineering workers and food safety and quality employees as a result of this project. Some current employees will be given the opportunity to learn new skills to work in the corn syrup production process, which will enable them to get raises. Because of MidAmerican Energy’s ability to provide electricity at a rate over 88% renewable, the Fort Dodge plant the preferred choice.

Calcium Products is a calcium-based pellet manufacturer of fertilizer for the agriculture and turf industry across the US and Canada. By purchasing land across the highway from their existing plant, they are able to build a 70,000+ square foot building to increase production and warehousing capabilities. Calcium Products invested over $17 M in the construction and machinery and equipment which will allow them to increase production by 200% due to increased efficiencies and less conveying. They currently employ nearly 70 people in three locations, with 33 employed in Fort Dodge.

CORN, SOYBEANS, GRAIN, LIVESTOCK

• Adding value to our commodities that are traditionally exported out of the region is the goal. Producing high-value products and ingredients for plastics, fibers, resins and pharmaceuticals creates higher returns on the commodities produced in the region.

Fort Dodge and Webster County sit in a region with some of the richest soil in Iowa.

IOWA RANKS FIRST IN CORN, SOYBEAN, ETHANOL, HOG AND EGG PRODUCTION NATIONALLY.

Corn

Harvested Acres: 193,300

Yield Per Acre: 217.2 bushels

Bushels Produced: 41,985,000

Total Farmland: 409,293 acres

Number of Farms: 960

Average Size: 426 acres

Farmland Value: $8,798/acre

Soybeans

Harvested Acres: 156,300

Yield Per Acre: 63.6 bushels

Bushels Produced: 9,941,000

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

working in webster

WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A ROBUST ECONOMY WHICH CREATES A DIVERSE SET OF JOBS TO EMPLOY AND CHALLENGE OUR CITIZENS. THERE ARE 1,357 BUSINESSES IN OUR REGION EMPLOYING 15,910 PEOPLE.

The data below runs up to 2021:

• There are 1,185 businesses in our region employing 17,771 people.

• Average annual earnings increased by 39% since 2011.

WORSHIP, PRAY, SING

FIND YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP IN FORT DODGE

Fort Dodge has a strong and active faith community with more than 40 churches representing a wide spectrum of denominations.

• Individual congregations offer worship services and activities to serve all ages and interests.

• Visitors are invited and welcome to join throughout the week as our area churches seek to nurture and support the spiritual lives of our residents.

TRINITY UNITED

1611 Williams Dr. • Fort Dodge 573-3817