employment

Buena Vista County had one of the fastest-growing "out-of-state" populations in Iowa from 1990-2000. According to the 2000 Census, Storm Lake had an increase of 15.9% in population, while the overall state increase was 5.4%. The diverse population of Buena Vista County provides a wide range of customers, potential employees and marketing possibilities. Your needs for bilingual customer service personnel can be met here.

Workforce

Between 1990 and the 2000, Storm Lake grew by 1300 people, with the largest growing age group between 45 and 64 years of age. Nearly half of all BV County adults have some post-secondary education, while another 36% are high school graduates. Employers have the opportunity to hire interns from Buena Vista University and often recruit its graduates. The labor force continues to grow with the population.

The City of Storm Lake has adapted well to these changes in demographics, forming a diversity task force and hiring community service personnel to bridge language barriers. Many new businesses have emerged to serve the diverse population, often owned and operated by people from the same background. Other towns are turning to Storm Lake as an example and a resource for how to constructively respond to the changes.

Find more information at www.seta.iastate.edu.

Click to view the Laborshed Analysis.

Recruitment & Business Services

Storm Lake's Iowa Workforce Development office is ready to help you locate the employees you need. They offer laborshed information, links to Iowa's Job Bank, free job listings, appointments, interviews and more. Consulting services are available to familiarize yourself with Iowa law, OSHA guidelines, tax information and other regulations.

For more information, visit www.iowaworkforce.org/region5/stormlake.htm and www.iowaworks.org.