MADE IN IOWA
In March 2013, Webster City’s quaint, historic Second Street had fourteen empty buildings.
A job at Electrolux was referred to as “the best job within 40 miles.”
LOW UNEMPLOYMENT
HIGH HOURLY WAGES
On March 31, 2011, the last set of washers and dryers rolled off the line at the Electrolux plant in Webster City.
Employment in Hamilton County decreased as soon as Electrolux layoffs began.
Four days after Deb Brown started at the Chamber of Commerce, the historic Webster Theater closed.
Karla Wetzler has been the planning director of Webster City since 1985.
After her Empty Buildings tour, Brown hit on her next idea: an incubator program.
Kay Ross, Seneca Street Saloon
“I'm very, very hesitant about a large factory coming to town again. We got burned that way once. I'd much rather see many small businesses here so that we are not so dependent on one major employer.”