On March 13, the Poweshiek Leadership Program (PLP) group went on a tour of the Co-Line campus led by Eric Brand and JT Walker. PLP meets monthly, and their March session was all about economic development. Participants examine the role of economic development in Poweshiek County and learn what is being done to develop and maintain skilled workforce in the county. 

In 2024, Signey Kaldenberg (2024 PLP Alumni and former Assistant Program Director for two years prior), persuaded the group to tour a business outside of Poweshiek County. The 2024 Co-Line tour was rated by class participants as the best and most impactful economic development tour out of four places visited! Naturally, the group asked to return in 2025. Before visiting Co-Line that day, they visited Colewell Automation in Montezuma, Manatt’s in Brooklyn, and Jeld-Wen in Grinnell. Co-Line may not be in Poweshiek County, but there are a large number of our Co-Liner employees who call it home.

The PLP tour group smiles for a photo after their tour. After the tour, Eric said they will need to increase the tour length next year so they have enough time to cover everything!