Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the Administration Center.
The board approved consent agenda items, including the tentative agenda, payables, annual dues to the American Association of Community Colleges, and the depository resolution.
The board appointed the following members to the Education Foundation board for the 2023-24 year: Kevin Britten of Red Oak; Amy Hook of Creston; Julie Lanning of Creston; Rick Oshel of Osceola; Allen Pohren of Red Oak; Alec Turner of Corning; and Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC representative.
During discussion of monitoring process, Fred Shearer of Corning asked about the progress of the CDL training grant. Wayne Pantini, SWCC vice president of economic development, said the grant was submitted by the Sept. 25 deadline and Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC interim president, said the college had received communication, at the statewide community college presidents meeting, grant recipients would receive notification of awards around Nov. 1.
Pantini gave the Bond Trac report, providing updates for board members related to the current projects underway with Benson Hill Ingredients LLC of Creston, Weaver Meats of Afton, and Red Oak Fabrication of Red Oak. Pantini said overall revenue is coming in well, the projects are on track, and training (the majority of which SWCC is leading) are underway. Pantini reminded the board in July 2022 a new jobs training agreement was approved with WDC Acquisition LLC (dba Wellman Dynamics) of Creston as well, and said updates on this project would be coming later.
During the president’s report, Stoaks mentioned the athletic department is hosting the 2023 Athletics Fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the evening will include a dinner, silent auction, and live auction. Proceeds benefit the athletics department and all board members are invited to attend.
Jamie David, director of the SWCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC), spoke to the board and explained the functions of the SBDC. David said she has worked as the director since January 2021. Prior to this, she was a small business owner herself and, in that capacity, had worked with the previous director of the center. David said the SBDC strives to be an innovative source for empowering businesses in Iowa. In her position, she provides one-on-one confidential counseling to business owners in a nine-county area. In addition, she assists with creation of business plans, provides Quickbooks training, aids with marketing of businesses, etc.
Following David’s presentation, Stoaks informed the board of the Greater Connections Child Development Center ribbon cutting ceremony and open house, including tours, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited.
The meeting was then adjourned by Dr. Tony Cass of Creston, board president