Small Town News

County fires economic development director Glenn Anderson

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In a surprise move Monday, Aug. 24, the Lyon County Board of Supervisors terminated Glenn Anderson's contract as economic development director. The 4-1 decision came after a closed session under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5i, "To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation and that individual requests a closed session."

The termination was effective immediately.

Chairman of the board of supervisors, Randy Bosch of Rock Rapids, cast the lone vote against the move. He, however, had no comment to make about the board's action.

Anderson also did not divulge what happened behind closed doors.

"They made a decision and I have to abide with what they decided," he commented.

Anderson, the county's first economic development director, officially began his duties July 3, 2006. Since that time he's worked to put Lyon County "on the radar screen in the state of Iowa," he said.

In a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, Anderson recalled the completion of several projects during his three-year tenure.

"I'm proud of helping Novartis expand its operations. I'm proud of assisting Sudenga Diversified Technologies in its growth and the addition of 10 employees. I'm proud to have helped Simply Said grow from two to over 80 employees. I'm proud of helping a number of small businesses and the Zangger housing development," Anderson said. "And, of course, there's the 600 jobs that will come with the casino/resort."

Even though he won't be involved in its use, he's still excited about the creation of a revolving loan fund using tax increment financing monies.

"That's a funding source the county economic development board can use as they want," he said, "without any federal or state regulations."

The county board of supervisors and the economic development board were scheduled to meet Monday evening, Aug. 31, to discuss filling Anderson's position.



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© 2009 West Lyon Herald Inwood, Iowa. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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