Greene County Development Corporation

08/31/2026

Hear from Greene County Development Corporation Executive Director Greg Piklapp as he reflects on Greene County’s proactive approach to the rapidly changing data and technology industry!

From updating County Code regulations for crypto-data centers and hosting facilities to establishing protections around water usage, reporting, setbacks, site cleanup, and equipment noise, Greene County has been preparing for new opportunities while keeping the needs of its residents at the forefront. As the industry continues to evolve, Greene County is ready to thoughtfully consider future projects and ensure they align with local standards and community protections.

08/27/2026

Thank again for the opportunity Greene County Farm Bureau Iowa!

Greene County Farm Bureau Board of Directors met on Thursday, August 20th at the Churdan Shelter house for their August board meeting to discuss many agenda items right before harvest. Before the meeting started, Greg Piklapp, Executive Director of the Greene County Development Corporation within the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, spoke about updates in Greene County and answered any questions. The board is excited for a busy fall season ahead!

08/26/2026

Congratulations to Origin Homes and the City of Jefferson Iowa on this achievement!

PS - Now lets go build some more. 😉👍

We are officially SOLD OUT in Jefferson! 🏠 🎉

All homes have their new owners and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome these families home!

Stay tuned as we continue building in more rural communities!

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Kristin Russell for being accepted to the Leadership Iowa 2026-2027 class. Kristin is an active board member of the Greene County Development Corporation and Human Resources Manager at American Athletic, Inc. Read the full press release online.
https://www.iowaabi.org/news/press-releases/leadership-iowa-2026-27-participants-community-hosts-announced/

Since its founding in 1982, Leadership Iowa has brought together more than 1,500 leaders from communities and industries across the state. The program is designed to educate, inspire and connect leaders while giving participants a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Iowa’s future.

08/21/2026

“And we did not want to be caught flat footed and do it on a case by case basis. We wanted standards, we wanted protections for local Greene County residents, we wanted setbacks, we wanted the noise reduction levels to be capped, water usage to be capped, we wanted the ability to develop in a responsible, sensible way. That is still the case.”

GCDC Executive Director Greg Piklapp

GCDC Director Greg Piklapp. Photo courtesy of AREAA bitcoin company is still finalizing its plans for a data center in Greene County. Greene County Development Corporation Executive Director Greg Piklapp says Simple Mining is continuing to work

08/19/2026

"Sometimes economic development is measured in millions of dollars, new buildings or the number of jobs created. Sometimes, however, the significance of a project is found in what it says about a community."

Scott Peterson, Jefferson City Administrator

Sometimes economic development is measured in millions of dollars, new buildings or the number of jobs created. Sometimes, however, the significance of a project is found in what it says

08/18/2026

Job Opening!

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Call Neese Inc. Grand Junction, Iowa

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08/14/2026

“It is a binding agreement between the City of Jefferson and the Iowa Department of Transportation. Now GCDC has helped facilitate and have a part of the conversation on the economic development side, but it is a binding agreement between a government agency at the state level and the City of Jefferson. That is what guarantees the access for future in perpetuity.”

Greene County Development Corporation (GCDC) Executive Director Greg Piklapp

Looking to the east from Highway 4 access of Wild Rose CasinoAnother step in a long process to secure future development on the northside of the city of Jefferson recently happened. Greene County Development Corporation (GCDC) Executive

08/13/2026

Greene County Development Corporation and Ames Regional Economic Alliance hosted Congressman Zach Nunn in Jefferson, Iowa, on August 3 touring both American Athletic, Inc. (AAI/Spalding) and the Jeffersonian apartment redevelopment project by Chris and Tracy Deal. Local state legislators State Representative Carter Nordman, State Senator Jesse Green, city, county officials and local business leaders participated as well.

At AAI/Spalding, Nunn met with company leaders learning about the Jefferson-based manufacturer whose athletic equipment is distributed worldwide. He highlighted the company as an example of “American ingenuity,” praising Iowa manufacturing and noting that recent federal tax and reinvestment policies are helping businesses expand and create jobs.

Nunn also toured the Jeffersonian, the ongoing redevelopment of the former Jefferson middle school into 25 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Project leaders Chris and Tracy Deal explained the years-long effort to transform the historic 1920 building into much-needed housing.

He praised the project as a successful collaboration among the city, county, school district, and local residents. He noted that converting the vacant school into affordable housing helps address community needs while preserving a landmark building.

During the visit, Nunn focused on two key themes: supporting Iowa manufacturing through companies like AAI/Spalding and encouraging rural housing and community revitalization through projects like the Jeffersonian. He praised both as examples of local investment creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities in Greene County using regional partnerships.

08/11/2026

Thank you to GCDC supporter and family owned Heartland Bank for the invitation to their 125th anniversary celebration last week in Jefferson!

Ames Regional Economic Alliance President/CEO Dan Culhane stated it perfectly, "this kind of success and longevity is a testament to Heartland Bank leadership but also to the communities they serve."