(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) Executive Director Jennifer McEntaffer, Wednesday evening, said despite the news late last month the MAHLE was laying-off a good percentage of their workforce by 2025, the news isn’t all bad. Speaking before the Atlantic City Council, Jennifer said she met with MAHLE employees, who explained the company is offering “Some very good retention bonuses if they’ll stay on.” There are also severance packages being offered to those who are close to retirement.

McEntaffer said “Many many organizations in  Cass County and Atlantic specifically are hiring, I don’t feel like were going to lose any population…”   She said also, she discussed with Iowa Western Community College in Atlantic, which is phasing out its Industrial Design program, and are moving ahead with offering a CDL program, which will benefit large manufacturers looking to locate in Atlantic and the area.

McEntaffer mentioned CADCO has a solid prospect in the form of a large manufacturing business that’s looking to expand into southwest Iowa, and that they love the idea Cass County being a hub for their business. The only issue is they need an 18,000-square foot building, which is currently not available. Along that note, she said, CADCO is looking partnerships with a local investment group, to construct a “spec” building to offer prospective businesses.

Other, local businesses, are looking to expand their footprint in the community, and two individuals are looking at downtown locations. And, Zeigler in Atlantic, she said, offers a paid apprenticeship program for persons looking to enter the trade industry, which  would benefit what the company does for its customers once those persons are trained and retained.

McEntaffer said the biggest struggle CADCO faces, is finding a place to put new business, especially commercial operations.