We will make your work easier by utilizing our Economic Development Team of experts who can provide the information you need and answers to your questions. Our process is simple: you have one point of contact that will facilitate direct access to individuals for specific information. We will work with you to establish a defined time frame and follow it through to completion.
We will provide accurate and timely information to assist any way we can in your site selection decision-making process. The following individuals make up a core team we can choose from and add to as needed. Their expertise, high level of professionalism and ability to cooperate will ensure the efficient knowledgeable support your project deserves.
The Team
Linda Schaut, CEcD - Economic Development Director and first point of contact.
Tiffany Menke - Executive Director, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
Ken Wunsch, President, Urbandale Development Association
Robert Andeweg, Mayor, City of Urbandale
Paul Dekker, Director Community Development, City of Urbandale
Dave McKay, Director Engineering and Public Works, City of Urbandale
Members of the Urbandale City Council
Additional Team Resources
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Polk County
Utility Partners
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Iowa Workforce Development
Des Moines Area Community College
Contact us today to discover more about the unique assets our community offers you and your business. 515-993-3009, lschaut@dallascounty-ia.org.
Join the Urbandale Development Association
The key results of members supporting the UDA are continued economic growth through enhancing the Urbandale business climate. This effort of the UDA is supported through the following mission statement:
Mission Statement:
- Formulate a consensus position among Urbandale business leaders concerning economic development and comprehensive land use planning.
- Perform liaison services between various governmental and community activities in the metropolitan area.
- Review activities with impact on community development and advise appropriate officials as to the position of the UDA.
- Establish specific short term focus concerns for the community and pursue them with appropriate metropolitan agencies and committees.
Economic Development Services:
- Economic development project financial packaging ~ Professional staff will assist with access to funding programs from multiple resources available. Finance package will include utilization of all resources (Federal, State & Urbandale) that are applicable to the project.
- Professional team available to partner on prospect visits ~ The professional staff's knowledge and expertise in the areas of; Iowa and local business climate, research, due diligence, business funding programs and other business incentives, along with organizing the response team, provides an excellent resource to projects and prospect visits.
- First point of contact for economic development inquiries ~ Prospect inquiries are obtained from several resources. It is pertinent that all of the possible location opportunities are represented. The first point of contact allows Urbandale representation of all sites & buildings that are listed in the LOIS data base.
- Access to market research ~ Market analysis is available from several sources to highlight the key business factors for Urbandale (i.e., labor force demographics & commuting patterns)
- Available business climate comparisons promoting advantages of Iowa & Urbandale ~ As companies start to analyze bottom line costs, it is imperative that they understand the business advantages of an Urbandale location as it compares to other locations throughout the United States.
- Marketing materials for business recruitment ~ In an effort to have an unified look and message for the Community of Urbandale, marketing materials have been developed. These materials will be used in both residential & business recruitment packets.
- Maintain data base of prospect lead, source and site/building requested ~ Tracking system to allow analysis of site and building inventory in Urbandale to determine trends and project future needs.
General Membership Services:
- Representation in & maintenance of sites & building inventory data base ~ This information is used by site selection consultants and others involved in business expansion.
- Access to current demographic information ~ This information is used by businesses and individuals considering an Urbandale location.
- Representation on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee ~ The UDA reviews & recommends improvements that would attract and enhance economic development activity.
- Liaison to City of Urbandale staff ~ This allows for one point of reference when working on key projects. (such as interstate interchanges)
- Executive call program ~ This program keeps the finger on the pulse of existing business and provides valuable assistance when a business is undergoing expansion considerations.
- Annual Economic Update ~ an informational event to keep the UDA's economic development partners abreast of the activity in Urbandale.
- Legislative advocate on economic development issues ~ Advocacy on economic development issues to improve, preserve or create new opportunities to foster economic development.
Dues Structure:
Platinum Member $1,500:
Includes: The entire general and economic development services and sponsor recognition (would include events such as the annual economic update, other possibilities include wed site recognition & links)
Gold Member $1,000:
Includes: The entire general member services, and numbers 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 of the economic development services.
Silver Member $500:
Includes: The general member services and numbers 5, 6, and 7 of the economic development services.
Bronze Member $250:
Includes: Numbers 4, 5, 6 & 7 of the general member services
Individual Member $100:
Includes: Numbers 4, 5, 6 & 7 of the general member services (distinction of individual member includes the following measures: funds are received from an individual; the member is listed as an individual, and the member does not use the cost of membership as a cost of doing business for tax purposes)
Professional staff is available to UDA members* to work on economic development initiatives specific to your company or projects you are representing. The rate for the additional services will be determined based on project specifics. Examples of additional services may include, however are not limited to: impact analysis, specific research, labor shed specific information to business skills, etc.
If you are interested in joining the Urbandale Development Association, please click here for an application.
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce | 2900 Justin Drive, Suite L | Urbandale, IA 50322