(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) on Thursday, October 13th, 2022, to welcome new staff. The Ambassadors were introduced to three new staff members who have joined SWIPCO in recent months. Ashley Hayes is serving as a Community Development Specialist, helping communities improve through economic development activities and planning. Mindy Jensen joined SWIPCO in September and has been increasing awareness of public transit services as the Communications Coordinator. Aaron Koontz recently came on board as a Grant Specialist helping agencies and communities navigate applications and procedures for various housing programs.

Southwest Iowa Planning Council serves all of Cass County, along with Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Mills, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby County. SWIPCO promotes regional cooperation in Southwest Iowa by improving community assets and infrastructure, promoting and enhancing economic and business development, and maintaining and improving the quality of life for all residents.

Front Row: Pictured left to right: Leslie Wright, Ashley Hayes, John McCurdy, Mindy Jensen, Aaron Kootz, Tori Gibson, Dee Holtz, Kelsey Beschorner,
Back Row: Pictured left to right: Elaine Otte, Jennifer McEntaffer, Dolly Bergmann, Kathie Hockenberry, Jim Kickland, Julie Waters, Lana Westphalen, Alex McAfee, Abby Becker, Adriana Mendez, Steve Tjepkes, Graydon Schmidt, Dr. Keith Leonard, Krysta Hanson, Tim Marcsisak, Leah Muhlbaur, Bill Saluk, and Darrell Hockenberry (Photo/story submitted by Kelsey Beschorner)

For more information about Southwest Iowa Planning Council, contact 712-243-4196 or visit https://www.swipco.org/. SWIPCO is located at 1501 SW 7th Street, Atlantic.