Decatur County Development Corporation

08/03/2026

Last Wednesday, Director Fountain had the pleasure of welcoming Stephanie Neppl, Iowa Tourism Liaison with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, for a tour of some of the attractions, businesses, and destinations that make Decatur County worth exploring.

Tourism is more than just welcoming visitors- it's economic development. Every traveler who stops to shop, dine, stay, or explore supports our local businesses and strengthens our communities. We're grateful for the opportunity to highlight all that makes Decatur County a great place to visit.

Visit Decatur County Iowa Travel Iowa

07/29/2026

Don't miss out! Today is the final day to register for Friday's Quarterly Lunch & Learn. If you're looking to strengthen your customer service skills and enhance the customer experience, this session is for you. Reserve your spot today:

https://dcdciowa.org/current-businesses/quarterly-lunch-and-learns/

07/15/2026

Today, the Decatur County Development Corporation had the privilege of celebrating Cierra Fountain’s fourth anniversary as Executive Director.

In just four years, Cierra has helped local businesses launch, grow, and navigate every stage of development, from the first spark of an idea to successful expansion. She has been instrumental in strengthening our local economy by connecting entrepreneurs with resources, guidance, and opportunities to succeed.

Under her leadership, the DCDC has grown into a stronger, more sustainable organization. She has led fundraising initiatives that increased private financial support tenfold in some areas, helping position the organization for long-term success and greater independence.

Cierra also established the DCDC’s tourism committee, bringing together a passionate group of volunteers dedicated to showcasing everything that makes Decatur County special. That team’s work recently culminated in hosting the second annual Decatur County Summer Sound Music Festival, an event that continues to grow and bring people into our community.

She has played a key role in securing and administering grants that are transforming our communities, including the Downtown Revitalization Project in Leon, with exciting opportunities on the horizon for other Decatur County communities as well.

Beyond economic development, Cierra is deeply invested in developing people. After graduating from the Decatur County Leadership Program herself, she stepped forward to lead it, helping cultivate the next generation of community leaders. She also serves on numerous local and regional boards, generously giving her time, knowledge, and leadership to organizations across our area.

What often goes unseen is the heart behind all of this. Cierra’s dedication to her family, her friends, and the people of Decatur County is evident in everything she does. She is often the first to celebrate others’ successes, the first to offer encouragement, and the first to step up when our community needs someone.

Please join me in congratulating Cierra Fountain on four years of outstanding service to Decatur County. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and look forward to all that’s still to come!

07/01/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Decatur County Leadership Academy!

We’re looking for 8-10 participants who are ready to grow their leadership skills, network with others from across Decatur County, hear from thoughtful speakers, and learn more about our county and all it has to offer.

Applications are due by August 10.

Apply today:

Interested in the Decatur County Leadership Academy? Check this page to see whether the current year’s program application is available, fill it out, and send it in. We’ll review it and let you know if you’re one of the 8 – 10 candidates that can participate.

06/16/2026

On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) hosted its annual fundraiser, Boots & Bling, at the Decatur County Fairgrounds Event Center in Leon. This year's event featured a cowboy-themed Whodunit mystery and was a tremendous success, bringing together 125 attendees, including local business owners, community leaders, and dedicated supporters of DCDC.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of businesses and individuals throughout Decatur County, the silent and live auctions featured more than $10,000 worth of donated items, making the evening both entertaining and impactful.

Evening Highlights:
- A presentation from DCDC Executive Director Cierra Fountain, highlighting exciting projects and initiatives currently underway across Decatur County.

- Recognition of the participants in the 2025–2026 Decatur County Leadership Program: Kat Akers, Alisha Butz, Erica Cook, Tracey Dale, Shirah Huff, Sandy Marcus, Jennifer McBroom, Janet Pierson, Karen Roberts, Jillian Sage

- Presentation of the 2025 Decatur County Business of the Year Award to the Decatur County Hospital in recognition of its commitment to providing quality healthcare and serving our communities.

Special Thanks:

DCDC extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the evening possible, including:

- Lizzie Yoder and the staff of Lizzie's Kitchen & Cafe, Sip's in Motion, and the Decatur County ROCCS group for providing delicious food, drinks, and exceptional service.

- The amazing father/son team of Webb Auction Services for leading our live auction.

- Sharon Miller and Yutzy's Greenhouse for donating the beautiful centerpieces.

- Our outstanding Gala Planning Committee: Ashley Donoho, Chris Coffelt, Alisha Butz, Kathy Akers, and Michael Jordison.

- DCDC Board Member Ashley Donoho for coordinating an incredible silent and live auction.

- And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the many local businesses and individuals who donated auction items. Be sure to check out the attached photo for a full list of our generous supporters!

Events like Boots & Bling are made possible by the tremendous support and generosity found throughout Decatur County. Together, we're investing in our communities, supporting local businesses, and building a stronger, more connected Decatur County.

06/04/2026

Here is a map of the Decatur County Summer Sound Music Festival location behind the shower house at Little River! This map is not to scale, but it should give you a general idea of where everything will be located.

Cars will enter the area from the hill leading up to the shower house, then will drive back to the GA parking area on the right side of the orange snow fence. Don't worry, there will be people directing you on where to go!

05/18/2026

Last chance to grab your spot for our DCDC Annual Fundraiser Boots & Bling! 🤠✨

We’ve extended the registration deadline through Thursday, May 21! Tables are still available, but not for long.

Sign up here ----> https://dcdciowa.org/about-us/annual-fundraiser/

We’d love to have you there for a fun night supporting Decatur County.

05/05/2026

04/21/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need your help to make the music festival a success, so please consider volunteering to help Friday and/or Saturday night! There are multiple jobs/shifts available, so you are able to choose the job that suits you.

Volunteering gets you a volunteer shirt, entry into the music festival the night of your shift, and the chance to hang out with some pretty awesome people and listen to some great, local talent for FREE! 😄

If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up for shifts here:
https://app.unison.io/schedules/19AvP19eyce6ur0imV1ekI

For any questions or concerns, please send us a message or email Cierra at [email protected].

04/07/2026

Dust off your boots and put your cowboy hat on straight!!

The prize bull has gone missing just days before the Leon Rodeo, and everyone is a suspect.

Join the Decatur County Development Corporation for our annual fundraiser! This year we are proud to host, Boots & Bling, The Bull Stealing Bandit, an interactive mystery dinner experience you won’t forget.

Enjoy a night of food, drinks, networking, and laughter while helping us continue to support local businesses, grow our community, and create opportunities right here in Decatur County.

✨ New this year: a fully immersive mystery experience

🏆 Honoring our Leadership Program graduates

⭐ Celebrating our Business of the Year

🎁 Silent auction, games, and prizes

Thank you to everyone who supports us throughout the year, this event makes our work possible.

🎟️ Grab your tickets now and be part of the story here https://dcdciowa.org/about-us/annual-fundraiser/

Interested in featuring your business or donating to the silent auction?

📞 Call Ashley at 660-973-9070 or Cierra at 641-442-6511