I am writing this column in my position as  the current President of  your Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation.  Each of us in Ottumwa has a  responsibility for economic development in Ottumwa.  Some demonstrate ownership by investing money in the organization.  Others have invested in local businesses and others work here or have worked here.  All of us are ambassadors for our community.  It is reported by site selectors that some companies, such as Pella Corporation will send representatives to the community and talk to residents.  If a resident is not a proponent of his or her community, then the company will question whether locating a plant in a community where the residents are not positive about where they live, work and raise a families is a good investment.  The representatives frequently go to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants or other retail establishments to talk to community members.  While this procedure is not used by all companies and is not scientific, it does demonstrate how each of us can be an ambassador for Ottumwa. 

If you have gone across the Jefferson Street viaduct recently, you may have noticed that a portion of the old rail yards is being cleaned of brush and other debris.  The Burlington Junction Railway is in the process of developing a warehouse and rail car loading facility.  This facility will be used to load train cars with "piggy-back" trailers and to unload train cars and to temporarily store the materials.  This company's services will be an asset for area businesses and industries. 

The Burlington Junction Railway development highlights a concern of mine. 

That concern is that when each of us needs goods and services, do we try to buy those goods and services in Ottumwa before going elsewhere?  If we "Buy Ottumwa", we can keep local businesses going that have served our community for many years and we can demonstrate to prospective businesses that Ottumwa supports local businesses.

Ottumwa has a tradition of being a city of hardworking, skilled people.  Manufacturing, food processing and skilled trades are the backbone of our labor force.  Our school and community college provide quality education to students who are prepared to enter the workforce ready to fill the available jobs.   It is your Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation's role to search for more business and employment opportunities in this community   Please join me as an ambassador for Ottumwa and "Buy Ottumwa", whenever you can.   

Richard J. Gaumer

Chairman, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation