Iowa Corn Processors Thanks Community For Demonstrating Spirit Of Excellence

In a special ceremony yesterday (Tuesday), Iowa Corn Processors (ICP) of Glidden received recognition from the Carroll Area Development Corporation with the presentation of the Spirit of Excellence Award. This award is presented to businesses that invest in resources, their communities and in projects that result in larger tax bases and additional quality jobs in Carroll County. ICP was recognized for an addition to the original corn processing mill built in 1998 that tripled their physical size and increased their tax valuation from $1.3 million to $9.3 million. But CEO, Bob Giguere, said these changes only came about because they were doing what they are supposed to do. The Spirit of Excellence, he said, is displayed in every one of their people and in this community that strives for excellence.

Giguere said that it was the work of the Carroll County Supervisors with tax increment financing, Region XII Council of Governments assisting with low-interest loans and the State of Iowa providing a no-interest loan for railyard construction that exemplifies how the communities have come together to enhance growth in the area. The expansion work has increased ICP’s ability to supply goods to the breakfast, snack food and brewery industries, and has initially grown employment at the plant from 27 to 35. Giguere said they expect to be at 38 next year and approximately 50 employees when the plant fills out in 2017. But the expansion does more for their employment than just adding new positions.

The change in federal regulations requiring food processors to trace back to the food source means many in the industry only want to deal with one supplier. This expansion allows them to now be that supplier to the larger players in the industry. Iowa Corn Processors utilizes a local focus on giving back to the community. They purchase local crops, buying nearly $30 million of corn from producers in a 15 to 20 mile radius of Glidden. Their payroll since the expansion has grown to approximately $2.5 million and nearly all the money used for local operations is drawn into Carroll County from outside the state of Iowa.

Giguere added that it is the support of the community that allows them to grow the markets into the future with cereal and snack food companies, maintain their relationships with the breweries and go after specialty crops, like non-GMO and white corns, and enter those markets as the opportunities arise. He thanks everyone who has shown their support, from the dedicated employees who go above-and-beyond every day to all the members of the community who supported their vision and then went to work to make it happen.