The new Iowa Economic Development Authority Board met today (Thursday) in Des Moines, with its members taking action on approving awards that will create up to 593 jobs in Iowa and retain another 105 jobs. The board approved incentives for planned or proposed projects located in Des Moines, Charles City, Fort Dodge, Coralville, Urbandale, Davenport, Underwood and Independence. The incentives went to companies whose business is in the areas of technology, manufacturing, food processing and biosciences.

In western Iowa, Link Snacks in Underwood was approved by the board for $40,000 in direct financial assistance plus tax incentives to Link Snacks, Inc., to expand it’s operations. The money will be used for the acquisition of an existing building in the city of Underwood to establish a second distribution center in Iowa for its products.

The company’s other center is in Laurens.  Link Snacks,Inc. is one of the fastest-growing meat snack manufacturers in the world, and sells their products in more than 40 countries.  This $9.4 million capital investment is expected to create 131 new jobs.