Delicious treats for Branstad in Fayette County

 

 

Dave Rapson (far left) of Country View Dairy near Hawkeye tells Iowa Governor Terry Branstad (second from left) about his company's desire to add a driveway to the property, so future customers of the business would have direct access to the store, rather than drive through the family's front yard. Listening at right are Bob Howard, Country View marketing director, and Roger Arthur, Fayette County Economic Development Board president. (Janell Bradley photo)

 

Delicious treats for Branstad in Fayette County

 

 

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer
info@fayettecountynewspapers.com

 

 

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad toured the state in June, networking with Iowa entrepreneurs and their role in economic development.

Thursday, the governor's visit to Country View Dairy near Hawkeye saw Branstad tour the yogurt-processing facility, where there was an added benefit of sampling creamy yogurt and frozen yogurt made on the farm by the Dave and Carolee Rapson family.

The governor declared both yogurt and fro-yo dairy treats “delicious” as he left the Rapson farm.

Northeast Iowa’s support of the “grown locally” movement was a major incentive for the Rapsons to pursue their own state-certified creamery on-site at their dairy on 230th Street, rural Hawkeye.

Yogurt resulted in a value-added product they could market to sustain them through periods of low milk prices. The company’s newest product is frozen yogurt.

"And if it wasn't for the grown-locally movement in northeast Iowa, I probably wouldn't have moved ahead with the plan for the creamery," Rapson told Branstad.

New grant announced

Meanwhile, Branstad's office on Wednesday announced that Iowa Workforce Development received a $6 million Department of Labor grant to assist with placing 1,500 dislocated Iowans in rapidly growing, apprenticeship-based occupations in high-demand industries.

The governor said a common theme heard from owner-managers of Iowa companies during his visits across the state is the need for skilled employees matching the job openings companies offer.

"This grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will help match Iowans with apprenticeships to advance their training, making them more qualified for careers in Iowa," Branstad stated.

His administration has a goal of 200,000 new jobs in the next five years.

 

 

 

 

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