Here in this strong rural community, this company is helping cement our place as the national leader in renewable energy. They are designing and making affordable wind turbines for farmers and small businesses.
The secret to their success is that they do it all in-house, which is more than what most big wind energy manufacurers do. They not only make turbines, but they also make their own blades for far less than it would cost to purchase them from a blade shop. Both the blades and turbines were designed by their own engineers, and all of this means lower costs for Iowans.
Heartland is helping to make renewable energy more accessible and allowing more Iowans to harness the power of our environment for themselves.
Now, its not easy to start a company, and its even more difficult to sustain it and grow. So, the state provided $300,000 in assistance to help this company expand its market, and in the process create jobs.
And this is exactly what they are doing. Currently, they have about 15 employees. This year, they expect to double that number, and then double it again next year, and the year after that. By 2012, they expect to have around 120 people on staff. That is 120 good-paying jobs right here in Ringold County.
Even at a time when our economy is down, there are bright spots that are letting us see the future. One of those is Heartland Energy in Mount Ayr, and I was really glad to have come and to have seen for myself what great work they are doing.
Well, the car is back on Highway 2 and we are heading back to Des Moines. I'll check back in later this week and let you know what I am up to.
Until then, I hope everyone stays warm. I know it doesn't seem like it with the snow covered ground zooming by the window, but spring will soon be here. At least I hope so...
Until next time,
Patty
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