The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) has named Marion, Iowa-based press-to-close zipper manufacturer Elplast America, Inc. the 2017 Outstanding Business of the Year.

 

IADG, on behalf of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and independent telecommunication companies, also honored six other companies with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting at the Sheraton West Des Moines.

 

Elplast America located its North and South American headquarters and new 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Marion Enterprise Center. Starting as a trade show lead, several local, state and national partners came together to bring this company to Iowa. 

 

The Central Iowa Power Cooperative secured the last $2 million loan through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program to support this project. With 30 employees, Elplast America produces products that are sold to more than 60 countries on six continents. Eplast America was nominated for an Iowa Venture Award by Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative.

  

“The Iowa Venture Award is highly regarded as a business achievement and recognition awards program with a 30-year history, said IADG President Rand Fisher. “IADG and our sponsors are proud to honor these seven business leaders and entrepreneurs for their commitment to Iowa through innovation, investment, and job creation.”