The Mahaska County Board has hired an Economic Development Director.  At Monday’s (6/17) regular Board meeting, the Board voted to hire Tom Flaherty to the position.  Mahaska County Board Chairman Mark Groenendyk talks about the benefits of having someone work for the County in developing its economy.

“Everybody’s looking forward to having an independent person to talk to for their own needs. With no fees attached, just their concerns in mind…to see how they can expand, how to get more employees into their door, better roads for their business and so forth.”

Groenendyk says Flaherty comes highly recommended from the Davenport area, where he had previously worked.  The County Board established priorities for Flaherty to work on: workforce development, housing, infrastructure and housing for seniors.