Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) has announced the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) fellow partnered with Carroll’s HUB 712 project. The ERC Fellowship, launched in 2023 with a $30 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, connects diverse practitioners with host sites to address critical projects for economic recovery. More than 500 communities and projects submitted applications, and CCGP was one of only 65 to be selected for participation. The ERC projects span various aspects of economic development, including workforce development, entrepreneurial ecosystem building, housing, childcare, climate resiliency, broadband, and access to capital. CCGP has been paired with Jennifer Luengas-Otto, a current Carroll resident. The 25-year-old is a second-generation American and brings a wealth of experience from her banking career and community involvement. The HUB 712 initiative, located in the new W Innovation Center along Highway 30 in Carroll, serves as a business resource lab and co-working space supporting entrepreneurship-led economic development. The ERC Fellowship, spanning 2.5 years, will see Luengas-Otto working alongside community and business leaders, fostering relationships, and coordinating local efforts. Luengas-Otto says, “I am both honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve West Central Iowa. By coming together and working collaboratively, it is vital to hear each perspective and story, and adopt a forward-leaning culture. This will allow more barriers to be broken for all and truly strengthen our region’s competitive potential.” CCGP Executive Director Kimberly Tiefenthaler says, “This truly is a game changer for our HUB 712 project. To have someone solely focused for the next two and a half years on the HUB 712 initiative, launching the physical space, and pushing out partner resources from across the state is just what we need. We’re excited to welcome Jennifer and begin the onboarding process.” Luengas-Otto will officially begin her role with the CCGP and HUB 712 later this month. The ERC program seeks to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed communities across the U.S. by fostering economic resilience and transformative change.
Luengas-Otto Announced As ERC Fellow For CCGP And HUB 712
