Economic developers at the forum included Deb Collum Calderwood (second from left) and Lindi Roelofse (second from right). Roelofse is the present Tama County Economic Development director. Calderwood is now serving in a similar position in Poweshiek County and formerly was the Tama County director. Photo provided

TAMA NEWS-HERALD – MARSHALLTOWN (SPECIAL) -When IVCCD Board of Directors President Conrad Dejardin welcomed guests to the Iowa Valley Community College District’s (IVCCD) Legislative, Business, Economic Development Forum on Innovation, he told them there is more than meets the eye going on at the college. Nearly 50 people attended the Jan. 29 event, including State represenatives Mark Smith (D-Marshalltown)and Annette Sweeney (R-Alden), and State senators Tim Kapucian (R-Keystone), Tom Rielly (D-Oskaloosa) and Steve Sodders (D-State Center).

Chris Duree, Acting Chancellor, introduced the discussion by reminding guests that IVCCD believes in its mission is the most important link in the chain. “In many cases our two-year graduates earn more than four-year college graduates.” He added, “We thank you for coming to learn about the critical role we play in Iowa’s educational system.”

The event included a panel discussion by members of business – industry who have utilized training through Iowa Valley Continuing Education’s Business Resources Team. Paul Chyma Jr. of Chyma’s Machine & Welding Shop, Toledo; Meg Ruzek of Brownells, Grinnell; Steve Flannery, Montezuma Manufacturing, and Teresa Webster of Emerson – Fisher.

An Economic Development panel included Lindi Roelofse, Tama County Economic Development Commission;Tom Deimerly, Iowa Falls Area Development Corporation; Deb Collum-Calderwood, POW I-80; Deb Crosser, Eldora Area Economic Development; and Joel Akason, Marshalltown Economic Development Impact Committee.

They shared the value of partnering with the area community college district to meet the needs of new or expanding employers.

Rex Kozak, East Marshall High School Principal, who works closely with Marshalltown Community College to expand innovation with college credit curriculum, says Chris Russell, IVCCD Chief Academic Officer, has become a trusted friend.

He discussed innovation from the high school perspective. Students are earning college credits through partnerships with MCC and industries using cutting edge technology including virtual reality.

“It is unbelievable what can happen when you get out of the way of their learning,” said Kozak. “One of our seniors is working with seven individuals around the world creating an online video game that can be played 24/7. Rockwell-Collins hired two of our students right out of high school because of their experience. One of them is being paid to attend ISU and is enrolled as a freshman in a class that is only for ISU graduate students!

These are excited learners who found out that science and math are tools for what the kids what to do.” These were only a couple of examples of the success at East Marshall High School that happens because of partnerships with MCC and industries.

MJ Dolan, Executive Director of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT), shared “The Condition of Iowa’s Community Colleges.”