Carroll Success is Sustainable

Carroll Success is Sustainable Main Photo

23 Jun 2021


Sites and areas that offer models for sustainable economic growth are prime locations. Business leaders and entrepreneurs are consistently seeking these locations that will provide the greatest chance of delivering success. Whether involved in a startup, relocation or expansion, Carroll County offers that opportunity in Iowa, with assistance from key entities like the Carroll Area Development Corporation, or CADC.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability refers to a business model that is economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally friendly. As an endeavor within a free market society, a business will only achieve long term success and the ability to deliver on the last two principles if it is able to maintain economic viability. 

Carroll County offers exciting and vibrant opportunities for that economic success. One exciting opportunity comes with Retail Coach, a national retail consulting, market research and development firm. CADC  and Carroll County partner to utilize Retail Coach’s experience and expertise to expand as the regional hub for Western Iowa. Local businesses indicate the nature of Carroll’s community and the dedication of organizations like the CADC make business success a priority.

More than Profits

Sustainability has come to be known for much more than just profits. Consumers are demanding businesses focus on community impact in addition to economic vitality. While past standard business practices may have found this idea to be limiting, current research indicates businesses can maximize profitability while doing well by the local community. This article from the Harvard Business School highlights the importance of sustainability. Building on that concept, more businesses are putting stock in the Triple Bottom Line, also reported on by the Harvard Business School here. Businesses are learning by focusing on the social and environmental impact their operations are involved with will help them center along doing right by people, planet and profit.

Workforce Impact

Sustainability is also becoming more important to the workforce available to companies. In a survey performed by The IBM Institute for Business Value in March 2021, 71% of employees and employment seekers surveyed say that environmentally sustainable companies are more attractive employers. The survey covered more than 14,000 adults from the United States, India, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, and China. In addition, more than two-thirds of respondents indicated they were more likely to apply for and accept jobs with environmentally and socially responsible organizations. Nearly half surveyed indicated they would accept a lower salary to work for such organizations. Now, more than ever, businesses risk losing top talent to more sustainability-conscious competitors.

Carroll County

The CADC understands the importance of the sustainability of economic growth. We have a strong Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program designed to promote the growth and development of local companies. Specifically, the CADC uses the Business Expansion and Strategic Trends (BEST of Iowa) program to collect BRE data because it is a statewide business retention and expansion program. The program is a collaborative effort between local developers, MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy, Black Hills Energy, Iowa Area Development Group, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). To learn more about our BRE program, click here.

Reach out to the CADC to see how we can help today, and you'll discover why success is sustainable in Carroll County, Iowa!