Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham visited the City of Waukee on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017 to meet with City leaders. In an informal roundtable, Durham and IEDA Team Leader Beth Balzer heard from City officials about Waukee growth, resident demographics and development options. Waukee Community School District Superintendent Cindi McDonald presented about the immense growth and high achievement occurring in the district.
Following a tour of the City, community leaders gathered at the Waukee Public Library for a lunch and additional presentations. Michelle Hill and Peg Armstrong-Gustafson presented about the Waukees Schools' APEX Program, or the "Aspiring Professional Experience". This program places high school students in workplaces throughout the Des Moines Metro with instructors who teach them about everything from communications to engineering to health care. The students take on and complete real projects for area businesses while growing professionally.
Director Durham gave an update on the current assets in the state in terms of economic development, including agriculture, wind energy, manufacturing and more.
The City of Waukee thanks IEDA Director Debi Durham and Team Leader Beth Balzer for their interest in Waukee's economic development efforts.