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Atlantic graduate named to Ia Economic panel

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October 31st, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Roger C. Underwood, Co-Founder Becker-Underwood

An Atlantic High School Graduate and co-founder of the world’s leading supplier of non-pesticide specialty chemical and biological products has been appointed to a State panel tasked with helping to steer Iowa’s economic development strategy. Roger Underwood, was among the 18 names announced today (Monday) by Governor Terry Branstad. Underwood will serve on the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress (IPEP)Board, which Branstad says will be central to his approach to economic development, which gives businesses a strengthened hand.

Underwood attended Iowa State University, where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Agriculture Business in 1980. In 1982, he co-founded Becker Underwood with Atlantic native Jeff Becker. Following 23 years as Chief Executive Officer of Becker Underwood, Roger Underwood stepped back from daily operations in January of 2006.
 

 

The governor last week signed an executive order creating the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress board of directors. Branstad also named the members of the Iowa Innovation Corporation board, which will head a nonprofit corporation funded by the private sector and federal grants that will seek to develop new technologies.

Both panels have been told to shape new approaches to economic development.