Embree resigns as JCED director


Dusty Embree
By: 
Staff report

     Jones County Economic Development Director Dusty Embree has announced her resignation. Embree’s last day will be Sept. 29. She has accepted a job with the Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

     Embree has been with JCED for six and a half years.

     Since Embree announced her resignation, the JCED Board of Directors has been meeting to discuss its future and to begin the hiring process.

     “We want to ensure our businesses that we intend to continue living our tagline: ‘Your Success is Our Point,’” said Patty Manuel, JCED Board president.

     Manuel shared many of the projects Embree had a hand in during her time in Jones County:

     • Instrumental in helping Fareway move to Anamosa.

     • Worked closely with Doug Wortman and Orbis in Monticello to ensure their 100,000 square foot expansion happened locally rather than in one of Orbis’ locations outside of Iowa.

     “These two projects alone helped facilitate many new and retained jobs in both communities (Anamosa and Monticello),” said Manuel. “Jobs, primarily the availability of skilled employees, continues to be the primary need among Jones County employers.”

     • Directed the development of two new videos showcasing the amenities Jones County has to offer, as well as the variety of workforce options. These videos will be used as recruiting tools for Jones County.

     Manuel said, by far, Embree’s “greatest impact” was ensuring Jones County was represented in the State of Iowa’s Parks to People initiative with Jackson and Dubuque counties.

     “This initiative led to the development of the Grant Wood Loop, which will now include the new Wapsi Trail and over $800,000 in grant funds coming into Jones County,” explained Manuel.

     Aside from her accomplishments, Embree has also been involved in many groups throughout the county: Monticello Heart & Soul, Anamosa’s Better Together initiative, Ignite: Jones County Young Professionals, Jones County Tourism, and Prosperity Eastern Iowa (a regional organization).

     “She serves on a variety of boards and committees throughout the region and is well respected,” praised Manuel.

     Manuel said Embree and her family would be missed in the community, and said a successor “will need to have her level of energy to continue the momentum JCED has realized” with Embree on board.

     The JCED Board includes: Manuel, president; Rachel VonBehren, vice president; Matt Behrends, past-president; Kris Gobeli, secretary; Nels Petersen, treasurer; Brad Ludwig; Brian Wolken; Betty Weimer; Lloyd Eaken; and Doug Wortman.

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