The end of 2021 is bringing changes to leadership at the Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC). After eight years as their chief officer, President, Jim Auen, is stepping away from the position. Auen, who is also president of Ike Auen Distributing in Carroll, says he has been fortunate to represent the businesses and residents of Carroll County, but it was time to let somebody else take the reins.
Mid-Iowa Insurance & Real Estate Owner, Mike Franey, will be his successor and officially begins in that capacity on Jan. 1. Franey currently serves on the CADC’s executive committee. Auen says a lot has changed in the world of economic development since he began working with the organization nearly 20 years ago, but the challenges facing rural Iowa are basically the same as they were when he started.
The CADC Board of Directors and staff are a critical asset for many local businesses, but much of what they do can take years to accomplish. He cites the effort to find a new owner for the former General Electric building in Carroll as one of the CADC’s biggest achievements.
That building is now the site of Rueter’s Equipment of Carroll. Auen says this is often how CADC works. They connect the right businesses with the right people to facilitate economic development. Auen says he is proud of what they have accomplished and is certain Carroll County is in a great position for continued success.
Auen will not be stepping away entirely from the CADC and will continue to serve on their Executive Committee. The full interview with Auen can be found included with this story on our website.
FULL INTERVIEW:
