Union County Development Association

08/14/2026

Thank you Bunge for hosting Area Business Coffee this morning!

Here are a few highlights or "ABC's" of Bunge:
🌾 Bunge’s Creston facility is located at 300 Osage Street and serves local farmers through its grain handling and storage operations.

🌽 The facility operates as a grain elevator, making it part of the local infrastructure that handles and stores agricultural commodities.

🚜 The Creston location is part of Bunge’s larger network connecting farmers and agricultural markets, helping move crops through the supply chain.

Thanks again for hosting and for being an important part of our local agricultural community!

08/12/2026

Is it time to finally “Just Start”? 🚀

Join us on September 18 from 9:30am-5pm for Just Start Workshop - Introduction to Entrepreneurship. This workshop is for new business owners, creative minds, side hustlers, and anyone ready to take that first step.

📋 Drop your contact info in our quick Interest Form so we can send you all the details, updates, and registration link directly. https://www.unioncountyiowa.com/juststart

08/10/2026

We’re excited to see this housing milestone cross the finish line in Union County! We celebrated the opening of Parkway Heights last week alongside all local and state partners. Read the full recap below! ⬇️🎉

Ribbon cutting held for new Parkway Heights apartments

Creston, IA - Business leaders, developers, state officials and community members came together last week in Creston for a ribbon cutting on the new Parkway Heights Apartments—located on the former Lincoln School site.
Mindy Stalker, Executive Director of the Union County Development Association, spoke at the ribbon cutting and said projects like this do not happen overnight.

Stalker added that local partners were also instrumental in this project, including Greater Regional Health, the City of Creston and the UCDA Board.

Danny Hagen, with DEV Partners, the developer of the housing project, previously lived in Creston and said he first met with local officials in 2022 to discuss housing.

Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, said that most ribbon cuttings begin with shovels, but this one began with a road trip.

Durham added that Creston’s proven commitment earned the community its designation as one of the inaugural Iowa Thriving Communities.
According to Durham, during the program’s first two years, 17 communities helped generate over 1100 new housing units in the state of Iowa.

Also in attendance last week was Creston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Olivia Cheers, who provided the developer with the ceremonial first dollar of profit.

The 36-unit community features one- and two-bedroom apartments and is scheduled to officially open for residents on September 15th.

For more information on leasing, you can visit allstarcommunities.com.

08/07/2026

Thank you Akin Building Center-Creston for hosting Area Business Coffee this morning!

A few "ABC's" or highlights of Akin Building Center:
📍 The Creston location is at 604 Sheldon Ave. and is open Monday–Friday from 7:30 AM–6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM–4 PM.

🔨 Akin offers building materials, hardware, tools, and supplies for everything from home improvement projects to new construction.

🛠️ Their Creston location also has a rental center, with tools and equipment available for projects big and small.

Thanks again to Akin for hosting and for being a resource for local homeowners, businesses, and more!

08/06/2026

Thank you, BUNN for hosting Uptown Clean Up Day!

Uptown Clean Up is a monthly opportunity for community members and local businesses to come together and help keep our uptown looking its best. Thank you again to everyone who volunteered their time this morning!

See you at the next Uptown Clean Up on Thursday, September 3rd at 9AM! 👋

07/31/2026

Thank you to The Latest Edition Bookstore for hosting Area Business Coffee this morning!

Here are a few highlights or "ABC's" that they shared:
📚 They're gearing up for fall, one of their favorite seasons, with new books, cozy reads, and exciting things planned for the shop.

📖 The bookstore hosts monthly book clubs, giving readers a chance to connect and enjoy great conversation. More information on current clubs and other info can be found on their website here: https://www.thelatesteditionbookstore.com/

📍 Visit them at 210 N. Maple Street in Uptown Creston!

Thank you again to The Latest Edition Bookstore for hosting and for creating a welcoming space for readers and our community!

07/29/2026

"Say yes, go for it... I promise there are people who are rooting for you." — Olivia Cheers

Meet the Executive Director of the Creston Chamber of Commerce in our latest Young Professional Spotlight! Read her story and stay in the loop on all things Union County.

📬 Subscribe to The Union County Connection newsletter for free today: https://www.unioncountyiowa.com/theunioncountyconnection