Pictured (L-R): Jen Wollesen, Jennifer Luengas-Otto, Theresa Hildreth, Senator Joni Ernst, Kimberly Tiefenthaler, Mike Franey, Sue Gehling, Amanda Riesberg, Adam Schweers, and Jeff Dentlinger
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst joined Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) and HUB 712 leadership committee members to tour the newly opened facility and understand how the small business resource center became a reality. CCGP Executive Director Kimberly Tiefenthaler showed Ernst around the building, explaining each component that makes this resource center stand out. With Ernst being a ranking member of the Small Business Committee, Tiefenthaler knew that Ernst would support the CCGP’s “why” behind the initiative.
Ernst was very excited to hear from Jennifer Luengas-Otto, who is serving as the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) fellow. CCGP was one of 65 communities and projects selected for this cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, working with communities and businesses to coordinate local efforts and provide resources to small businesses. Luengas-Otto discussed more about what she has been doing in her new role.
The ERC Fellowship lasts 2.5 years, and Ernst asked if there was any chance of a renewal process. Luengas-Otto said not at this time but informed that the fellowship Research Capstone Project is measuring the impact on small businesses to continue the program. Throughout the discussions and viewing the space, Ernst continued to be amazed at this new feature for Carroll and surrounding community businesses.
Pictures from Ernst’s visit can be found included below.
Fellow- Jennifer Luengas-Otto greeting Senator Ernst
Tiefenthaler showing Ernst the picture of the original building that HUB 712 is located in, to mark the innovative journey to get them to where HUB 712 is today.
Ernst hearing small business success stories, thanks to the initiatives of CCGP and HUB 712
