Opportunity²
Economic Development in Southeast Iowa
Collaboration is a purposeful relationship in which all parties strategically choose to cooperate, in order to accomplish a shared outcome. It’s what we do!
Open for business x Opportunity =
Opportunity²
At Opportunity Squared, 9 counties in the #IowaSouth region work together to find synergy and promote growth for our closely aligned economies.
Chariton (Lucas County)
Visit the Lucas County Development Website
Albia (Monroe County)
Visit the Albia Industrial Development Website
Fairfield (Jefferson County)
Visit the Fairfield Economic Development Association Website
Ottumwa (Wapello County)
Bloomfield (Davis County)
Visit the Davis County Website
Centerville (Appanoose County)
Visit the Appanoose County Website
Sigourney (Keokuk County)
Visit the Keokuk County Website
Oskaloosa (Mahaska County)
Visit the Mahaska Chamber Website
Pella (Marion County)
Visit the Marion County Website
Knoxville (Marion County)
Visit the Marion County Website
Our Primary Initiatives
Generating Ideas & Solving Problems
#IowaSouth
#IowaSouth is a region dedicated to helping you find space to breathe, connect to a place that appreciates you, allows you more personal time, and lets you find your voice. Every city in the 9-county area has a little rural charm blended with a little downtown bustle.
This diverse, $12.5 billion dollar economy features careers, not just jobs, in agriculture, healthcare, technology and many other industries coupled with a lower cost of living. Read more…
Educators in the Workplace
This unique summer workshop, offered through a collaboration between local economic developers and Indian Hills Community College, provides teachers, administrators and counselors with workplace tours and tools that allow them to get back in the classroom and reach K-12 students with hands-on experience of the people and places offering work that’s close to home, ready to hire, and with livable wages. Read more…
Laborshed Workforce Report
Opportunity Squared works with Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Workforce Development to produce a new laborshed about every 2 years. Of greatest importance is the recording of employment data such as wages, post high school educational attainment, and commuting patterns
Latest News
Generating Ideas & Solving Problems
JBS USA and Plumrose USA Invest $3.1 Million in Ottumwa to Support Local Community
JBS USA and Plumrose USA to Invest $3.1 Million in Ottumwa to Support Local Community as Part of the Hometown Strong Initiative GREELEY, Colo. Oct. 13, 2020 – Building on ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, JBS USA and Plumrose USA today...
Op2 area organizations, businesses receive Coronavirus Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Grants
Governor Reynolds announced awards to 65 applicants for the Coronavirus Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Grant. The program will provide postsecondary training and education to Iowans whose employment has been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Several awards...
Amazon Names Iowa Top State for Digital Entrepreneurs
Corridor Business Journal: A new analysis by Amazon finds that Iowa leads the nation in the per-capita number of small and medium-sized businesses selling through the tech giant's online platform, and that Iowa businesses are increasing their sales the fastest on...