Olin, IA

One of the facilitators for the study circles, Chuck Liston and one of Olin’s certified Leadership Plenty® trainers, Roger Kistler, have joined the Olin Economic Development Commission. The OEDC has had some struggles for the past two years. This was due to a lack of solid leadership. With these new additions, the commission has taken on some new projects to really benefit the citizens of Olin.

The first impact took place with a “Meet the Candidates” forum for all residents to attend to ask any questions they may have prior to the city election in November, 2007. The OEDC sponsored the event. This was planned out so that everyone was able to ask a question of one candidate or of all candidates. Roger had set an agenda with timelines for the evening. He also facilitated and assisted in keeping the questions and answers to the limited time. This really helped in keeping the focus on the purpose of the evening.

Another impact is in progress. The City has applied for a Housing Rehabilitation Grant to assist low income families. The OEDC is the committee assisting the Council of Governments with the application process and take some the pressure off of the City Clerk and the City Council. If more homes can be improved with a forgivable loan, those residents who are already low income will be able to assist in making Olin more appealing to new families to move here and therefore assist in improving the local economy.