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Park Certified as Development-Ready Site

August 20, 2026 (DES MOINES, IA) — Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation, a 720-acre industrial park in Fort Dodge, has earned an Iowa Certified Site designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), strengthening its ability to attract investment in bioscience, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and other industrial sectors.

Located in Webster County within an established industrial corridor, the park offers access to Iowa Highway 7, with U.S. Highway 20 approximately 6 miles to the south. The site is also adjacent to rail infrastructure operated by Canadian National Railway Company and Union Pacific, providing opportunities for future rail service to large tracts within the park. Companies such as CJ Bio, Valero and Cargill operate in the surrounding area, providing an established industrial base for future development.

The designation confirms that the site has completed extensive environmental reviews, infrastructure assessments and other due diligence, helping reduce risk and accelerate project timelines for companies considering expansion or relocation. The site includes approximately 700 developable acres, with utilities located adjacent to or near the property.

“Reliable, high-speed connectivity is an essential part of today’s business infrastructure, and Webster-Calhoun is proud to provide fiber optic access to support the growth of rural Fort Dodge and the surrounding region,” said Marcie Boerner, CEO/General Manager of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. “This industrial park represents an exciting opportunity for companies looking to invest and grow in north-central Iowa, and we’re pleased to be part of the community-wide effort to make the site development-ready. Fiber connectivity gives prospective businesses another important piece of the infrastructure they need to compete, innovate and succeed.”

“Site certification shows that a community has done key preparation upfront to compete for new investment and jobs when opportunities arise,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “That can make all the difference when a company is looking for a place to grow. Fort Dodge has built a strong foundation for future growth, and this certification reflects the commitment it takes to be ready when the right project comes along.”

Durham joined local leaders and economic development partners today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the designation.

“Earning Iowa Certified Site designation is more than a milestone; it’s a statement that the Fort Dodge region is ready and open for business,” said Astra Ferris, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. “At Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation, this 720-acre ag park site certification reflects years of collaboration among our local governments, utility partners, educational institutions and landowners to ensure we attract and grow together.”

Fort Dodge’s certification was supported through the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative, created during the 2024 legislative session to help rural communities offset the costs of preparing industrial sites for certification and development. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance was one of five recipients selected in the initiative’s inaugural funding round in 2025.

Since its launch in 2012, the Iowa Certified Site program has evolved alongside industry and site selection standards to become one of the most comprehensive in the nation. Certified sites in Iowa have attracted more than $2.3 billion in capital investment.

The certification process is overseen by Quest Site Solutions, a site selection firm based in Greenville, South Carolina. The independent review evaluates environmental, infrastructure and other site-readiness factors to ensure certified sites are prepared for investment.

For more information about the site:

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance: https://www.greaterfortdodge.com/certified-industrial-park/

Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority https://opportunityiowa.gov/iowas-crossroads-global-innovation

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 21 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City and rural Fort Dodge. www.wccta.com

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

Webster-Calhoun Receives USDA Grant

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association has been awarded a $300,000 grant through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. As part of the application requirement Webster-Calhoun also committed an additional $30,000. This amount was also applied for and matched by Aureon’s Ripple Effect grant for $30,000.

“We are excited to receive this award and add to our existing revolving loan fund,” states Webster-Calhoun General Manager, Marcie Boerner. “This loan will go to the Southwest Webster Ambulance at zero percent interest over a ten year period. As the loan is paid back funds will be available to provide additional loans for local economic and community development projects.”

“This is a win-win as Webster-Calhoun will be able to reinvest these dollars into a revolving loan fund and help Southwest Webster Ambulance move forward with their building project.” adds Boerner. “Webster-Calhoun established a revolving loan fund in 2017. Growing this fund to a total of $720,000 directly impacts our local economy.”

Groundbreaking for the Southwest Webster Ambulance on March 17, 2025. Pictured from the left are Dan Hanson, Marcie Boerner, Jim (Archie) Peterson, Jessie Reed, Terry Towne, Melissa Joyce, Matt Nahnsen, Marsha Farnham, Adam Marquart and Robbin Dorman.

Webster-Calhoun applied for the funds resulting in $360,000 specifically to assist the Southwest Webster Ambulance construct a new building to house two ambulance units, as well as classroom and office space. Ambulances have grown longer and wider making the existing building too small to upgrade to a new unit. Emergency calls for the service have nearly doubled with only three responding ambulance services in Webster County (population 36,626).

“The support of Webster-Calhoun and this funding has been the catalyst to making this vision a reality,” noted Terry Towne, SWWA, during the ground breaking event. “This project has been 15 years in the making.”

Constructions starts on the new ambulance building located between the current ambulance building and the fire department. When completed the Gowrie Police Department will move into the current ambulance building consolidating the location for emergency services in the Gowrie community.

Webster-Calhoun established a Revolving Loan Fund in 2017 with funds from the USDA to help improve quality of life in rural areas.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. www.wccta.net

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

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Boerner Named New GM

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) Board of Directors proudly announces the appointment of Marcie Boerner as its new CEO/General Manager, effective January 1, 2025.

Boerner, who has dedicated 28 years to WCCTA, will be the third General Manager in the cooperative’s 70-year history. Marcie has built her career with the cooperative, touching nearly every part of the business. As the cooperative has grown, she has grown with it: implementing change, displaying leadership, and driving innovation while keeping our customers, member-owners and staff at the heart of it all.

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on this new role,” Boerner said. “I am looking forward to enhancing education and training as our teams continue to grow, serving our expanding footprint, fostering community connections, and driving economic development.”

Over the years, WCCTA has forged strong partnerships with local schools and businesses, enhancing connectivity and supporting educational initiatives. Additionally, the cooperative has spearheaded community initiatives like the Revolving Loan Fund, significantly improving the quality of life for residents.

“Most importantly,” Boerner added, “I am excited for the collaboration between our members and our dedicated staff to plan for the future and continue enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

Alan Jacobson, President of WCCTA’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Boerner’s ability to lead the company into its next phase of development.

“Marcie’s leadership style, concern for community and strategic vision are in perfect alignment with WCCTA’s future goals,” said Jacobson. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our cooperative and its members into this exciting new chapter.”

Boerner assumes her new role at a pivotal moment for WCCTA, as the cooperative continues to innovate and strengthen its position as the leading provider of communications solutions in north-central Iowa. To learn more about WCCTA, visit www.wccta.com.

About Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) has been dedicated to serving rural communities in north-central Iowa since its incorporation in 1954. Initially established to provide essential telephone services to areas that other companies overlooked, WCCTA has grown to offer a full range of telecommunications services, including high-speed internet and digital television, to 21 communities and counting.

As a member-owned cooperative, WCCTA is committed to enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic development in the communities it serves. Every subscription to WCCTA’s services represents an investment in a locally-owned and operated, ensuring that the cooperative’s success directly benefits the local community. For more information, visit www.wcccta.com

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Carlson Announces Retirement

Celebrating 45 Years of Leadership: Daryl Carlson Announces Retirement

As we look back on decades of growth, innovation, and community impact, we are honored to celebrate the retirement of our General Manager, Daryl Carlson, who has dedicated 45 years to Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. His remarkable leadership has left an indelible mark on our industry, our organization and the communities we proudly serve.

Throughout his career the cooperative transformed from a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) provider to a state-of-the-art, 100% fiber-to-home internet service provider.

This early adoption of Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology has not only enhanced the quality of life in our service areas but also positioned our cooperative as a leader in the industry. His vision has consistently driven us to embrace innovation and ensure that our members benefit from the best possible service.

Under his watch, our cooperative expanded into CLEC areas, further broadening our reach and impact. He spearheaded the construction of our new office building, providing the space needed to grow our innovative workforce and better serve our communities. Through strategic partnerships with other communications service providers throughout the region, he set us up for success, ensuring that the high-quality products and services we offer could be experienced by more people than ever before.

While it’s impossible to precisely quantify his impact on our organization, we know it is profound and far-reaching. As he prepares to step down at the end of the year, transitioning into an advisory role starting January 1, 2025, we take immense pride in the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions have not only secured the cooperative’s fiscal health but have also paved the way for the next generation of leadership to build upon his successes.

While we will miss his day-to-day presence, we are excited for him as he looks forward to a well-deserved retirement filled with hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.

The impact Daryl has made on our cooperative, our team, and our communities is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

We wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life and thank him for his extraordinary service and dedication.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association is located at 1106 Beek Street in Gowrie, Iowa. It has a Gig certified Fiber to the Home network and provides landline telephone, internet, Wi-Fi, and digital television service to the Iowa communities of Gowrie, Pilot Mound, Vincent, Thor, Churdan, Knierim, Somers, Barnum, Duncombe, Farnhamville, Badger, Clare, Moorland, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, Lake City and rural Fort Dodge.

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