Entrepreneurial Development Center Celebrates Five Years of Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth
HIAWATHA, IOWA—September 10, 2008—The Entrepreneurial Development Center celebrated its Five Year Anniversary on September 9, 2008 with an Awards Celebration for its clients. The new Hiawatha Community Center was filled with over 170 entrepreneurs, community leaders, vendors and investors. In addition to networking and client recognition, attendees were presented with a keynote from Tom Aller, President of Interstate Power and Light (an Alliant company).
Nearly 40 entrepreneurs (see list below) were recognized for taking the risk of creating new businesses in the past five years. EDC President and CEO, Curt Nelson, acknowledged the impact entrepreneurs have on our community, “The creation and growth of locally founded businesses is absolutely essential for the long-term viability of our community. The need to start, grow and keep new businesses in Iowa has never been greater. The entrepreneurs honored should be commended for their hard work and commitment to business creation.
Other awards that were presented to EDC clients were:
- Greatest Strides Award- presented MobileDemand, accepted by Matt Miller, President. Miller’s business has rapidly grown in the past five years and was also ranked 148th on the 2008 Inc. 500 list. (www.ruggedtabletpc.com)
- Most Capital Raised Award- presented to Asoyia, accepted by Beth Fulmer-Boyer in behalf of Greg Keeley, President and CEO. The company was recognized for its success in attracting a significant amount of capital to help scale its business. (www.asoyia.com)
The Keynote by Tom Aller, President of Interstate Power and Light (an Alliant company) highlighted the important role of entrepreneurs. He pointed out that entrepreneurs are a vital asset to our local communities, especially during the recovery from the historic June flood. He strongly urged other local employers to support the Entrepreneurial Development Center.
- Business Creation Award Winners
- 1M4JC.com, Marion
- Alpha Gen, Vinton
- Alpha Omega Aircrafters , Cedar Rapids
- Asoyia, Iowa City
- Atlas Ergonomics, Iowa City
- Bochner Chocolates, Iowa City
- Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Cedar Rapids
- Cognitive Media, Cedar Rapids
- Corridor Business Journal, Fairfield
- deBotanica, Fairfield
- Equi-Spa, Fairfield
- Future Health, Carroll
- Gluten Evolution, Iowa City
- GreenWorld Biofuels, Tiffin
- HH Ventures, Hiawatha
- Involta, Marion
- J&J Solutions, Iowa City
- Luerkins Laboratories, Iowa City
- MobileDemand, Hiawatha
- Ovation Networks, Cedar Rapids
- Pohaku, Washington
- Practical Environmental Solutions, Washington
- Push Button Masonry, Sherrill
- Red Oak Workshop, Batavia
- Savior Saddle Racks, Tama
- SecurityCoverage, Cedar Rapids
- Sensr, Elkader
- Soyawax, Cedar Rapids
- Starboard Creations, Clive
- Superior Fuel Solutions, Central City
- SwitchQuick, Marion
- The Sky Factory, Fairfield
- Think Safe, Hiawatha
- Tri Phase Technologies, Corydon
- VIDA Diagnostics, Iowa City
- Virtual Interactive Families, Cedar Rapids
- VizAbility , Cedar Rapids
- WrapItFast, Cedar Rapids
- About the EDC
The Entrepreneurial Development Center was incorporated in 2003 as a community-sponsored, non-profit business accelerator. The company provides economic growth through the development and expansion of entrepreneurial enterprises and has successfully assisted over 360 Iowa-headquartered businesses. Its focus is on creating local wealth for area re-investment by growing and cultivating regional, national, and international businesses. Visit www.edcinc.org for details.
