Economic Development
- Robust Project Pipeline: Responded to 33 business attraction and expansion project inquiries, with 10 advancing to virtual or on-site visits.
- For one project, Clinton was in the top 5 out of 65 communities, and is battling to be in the top 2.
- Business Retention & Expansion: 2025 was an amazing year for existing industry retention and expansion. There are multiple expansions in the planning stage for 2025-2026
- Adcraft
- Super 8 Logistics
- Law Jones Funeral Home
- Enhanced Regional Coordination: Strengthened collaboration and visibility on the Illinois side of the river to drive cross-border economic opportunities.
- Housing: Have assisted with multiple applications and developments around housing.
- LIRAP Upgrades: The Railpark now has water, natural gas, rail, third party switch yard, new power, 36th Avenue South, and other improvements driven by the public-private partnership. Grow Clinton invested into the water main extension and extension of power lines to the SE Corner.
Community Development
Creative Places Accelerator Designation: Clinton was named 1 of only five cities in Iowa to join this program, unlocking new funding for placemaking through 2026.
Downtown Revitalization Support: We co-sponsored a Downtown Assessment by the Iowa Economic Development Association in partnership with Lyons Business Professional Association and Downtown Clinton Alliance.
Catalyst Projects & Camanche Fareway: Provided strategic guidance and support to key community-enhancing developments. Presented at a city council meeting in Camanche, Iowa, regarding the economic and quality-of-place benefits of attracting a Fareway grocery store.
Entrepreneur & Small Business Support via EntreFuel: Our small business platform engaged 12 startups and attracted 400+ registrants in 2025—demonstrating strong entrepreneurial momentum.
Boosting Civic Pride with Regional Marketing Video Series: These engaging videos have amplified community pride and promoted Clinton's unique attractions through social media and other digital outlets.
Deep Community Involvement: Grow Clinton staff serve on 20+ local boards and committees, including United Way, Rotary, YWCA, Information Referral & Assistance Services, and others—showcasing our deep roots in regional leadership.
Launched the Leadership Unlocked Series w/Dr. Charlie Minnick: A transformative monthly leadership experience designed for aspiring and current leaders who seek to turn their vision into impactful action. Leadership Unlocked equips participants with the essential skills, tools, and mindset needed to lead teams and organizations effectively in today's dynamic environment.
Marketing & Event Planning
Marketing
Facebook
1016 new Facebook followers (6958 total followers)
45,040 Visits (9.7% increase); 7,040 Links Clicked (11.8% increase)
32,649 content interactions (2.5% increase)
Instagram
63 new Instagram followers (294 total)
1161 Instagram Reach (175.1% increase)
393 Content interactions (100% increase)
LinkedIN
343 total followers on LinkedIN
556 page views on LinkedIN
91 Reactions on LinkedIN
255 Unique Visitors
**ALL SOCIAL IS ORGANIC –we don’t do paid (sponsored) social ads!
3 radio shows per week
New drone footage and 1-sheet for the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park
Serve as the graphic designer for to meet other department needs
- Assisted with Tourism ads
- Legislative Priorities one-sheet
- Candidate forum
- EntreFuel graphics
Developed a consistent & branded look to align with our newly launched website
- Board Spotlight Social Promotions
- Find a Job Friday
- Member News Tuesday
- Flagship Event Friday
Events
13.24% increase in event attendance (821)
15.21% increase in event profit ($62,015.52)
24 member celebratory ribbon cuttings
EntreFuel: Leadership Unlocked
Successful professional development for current & aspiring leaders. Average monthly attendance: 31
Partnered with the Wild Rose Casino to bring a hypnotist show to Clinton.
Member & Community Relations
MEMBER & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
- New Investors: 41
- VALUE Visits: 73
- Business Retention Visits: 32
- Fix Actions Accomplished from VALUE Visits: Approximately 43
- Grow Clinton Podcast Episodes: 82 including members, elected officials, Leadership: Unlocked, and Meet the Grow Clinton Staff
- Presentation of VALUE Program Spotlight Awards: 4
- Completion of 2024 Iowa Chamber of Commerce Bootcamp
- Completion of 2025 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference in Atlanta, Georgia
- Participation in LyondellBasell Citizens Advisory Panel
- Participation in Federal Correctional Institution Community Relations Board
- Social Media Member Promotion: 73 Posts
- Collaboration with Grow Clinton staff on Rising Stars publication recognizing up-and-coming professionals in the Greater Clinton Region
- Childcare Provider Quarterly Roundtable
- Business Retention and Investment Committee Meetings: 6
- Board of Directors Position for Community Organizations: 2
- Implementation of Grow Clinton Member Survey permanently available on Grow Clinton website
- Presentation of Grow Clinton 101 which is available to new members and members who would like to refresh their knowledge about member benefits and use of ChamberMaster
Tourism & Placemaking
- Clinton Outpaces State in Hotel Occupancy: Clinton continues to outperform statewide metrics, with April 2025 occupancy at 45.7%, surpassing the Iowa average of 41%.
- Weekend Tourism on the Rise: Friday night stays are pacing 20–30% higher than in previous years, signaling strong growth in leisure travel.
- New AI-Powered Community Calendar: We launched an AI-enhanced event calendar in response to local feedback. It's now the 5th most visited page on Grow Clinton's website and our top-performing organic page (excluding the homepage).
- Fly Iowa 2025: Grow Clinton spearheaded the planning and promotion of this premier aviation event, including the launch of ClintonFlyIowa.com. This effort marks our third primary event incubation in 2025.
- Visitation Page Growth: The "Visiting" landing page experienced a 47.31% year-over-year increase, reflecting the growing interest in Clinton as a destination.
- Director of Placemaking & Tourism: Sarah Smith joined the Grow Clinton team as the Director of Placemaking & Tourism in May of 2025. She is developing a plan to enhance the department's digital marketing and recruiting strategies while strengthening relationships with regional and state tourism partners.
Workforce Development & Talent Attraction
- Process Technology Certificate Program through Clinton Community College is up and running with its first session scheduled for this fall. This program will train operators and equip them with the skills needed to advance within a manufacturing career.
- Commercial creation to promote the new P-Tech Certificate Program to ensure its success.
- Mississippi Valley Workforce Committee Member: Continue to serve on the Business Committee which meets monthly to discuss business needs and support the Retrain & Retain grant. To date, this program year, over $46,000 has been awarded. Also, a member of three other committees within MVWDB.
- MVWDB – Chair of the Business Committee for MVWDB.
- Actively promoting the Retrain & Retain Grant, Skillup Mississippi Valley, and the Job Quality Survey
- Quarterly Human Resources Net (HR Net) – 49 (an increase of 36%) local HR professionals engaged and discussed relevant topics. We continue to see fresh faces at these events.
- Quarterly Manufacturing Network (MFG Net) – 40+ manufacturing leaders brought together to discuss industry matters.
- Quarterly Clinton County Vet Net (CC Vet Net) – 185 veterans gathered for conversation and camaraderie.
- The City of Clinton became a Home Base Iowa community on February 12, 2025.
- Education & Business Partnership Symposium – 90+ educators, businesses and students came together to celebrate, strengthen, and enhance business and school relationships and provide students with meaningful experiences in the workplace.
- Educator Collaboration Workshop initiated to streamline communication among educators and businesses.
- Youth Engagement: IJAG, Work Study Programs, School Presentations, and career fairs. An example is partnering with JA for the JA Inspire Career Expo at the Clinton County Fairgrounds where approximately 600 8th graders were engaged to learn about local job opportunities.
- Newcomer Program Kickoff – welcome new individuals to the community
- May 12 IWD Mobile Career Center – 12 individuals assisted.
- Two Drive-Thru Career Fairs - 50 individuals received information
- Revamped the Made in the Clinton Region video
