Hi !

Showing Appreciation in Iowa
Ottumwa, Iowa is reaching out to specifically thank John Deere Corporation for being a part of Ottumwa's economy for the past 95+ years. To express their appreciation, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of the citizens of Ottumwa and Wapello County, put up a billboard proclaiming their appreciation for all to see. John Deere's hay and forage equipment division is headquartered in Ottumwa and employs up to 900 people manufacturing hay balers, hay mowers, side-delivery rakes and other equipment.

"It is not enough to casually state to an employer that they are appreciated by the community. Stating it in a demonstrative way makes sure you are being heard loud and clear all the way to corporate headquarters in Moline, Illinois" stated Richard Gaumer, chairman of the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation. A framed picture of the billboard and a letter will be sent to Robert Lane, Chairman of John Deere, as well as Governor Vilsack and Michael Blouin, director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The picture will not only feature the billboard, but the citizens of Ottumwa are to gather below the billboard this week to be included in the snapshot and show their personal appreciation.

"In the past 12 months, Iowa has had its share of plant closings. Ottumwa is not so naive as to think if we simply express our love we can avoid plant closings" said Gaumer. "But it won't ever be said we took our employers for granted."

Ottumwa expressed similar sentiment last December when they joined with the three-county economic development consortium called Indian Hills Regional Development to call attention to Cargill's 20th Anniversary in Eddyville, IA. They placed a half page ad in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspapers thanking Cargill Corporation for being a part of the three-county economy.

I've been to Iowa many times on the Boomtown USA tour and every time I'm there I see another innovative practice or meet a passionate person that is making Iowa a better place to live and work. Ottumwa is another great example of that Iowan Innovation. Thanks to the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation for sharing this idea. What are you doing in your community to show appreciation to your employers?

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