Sons and Daughters - Yadoff back for Main Street, EDC job
McGregor native Emily Yadoff returns to Northeast Iowa to take on the dual role of Main Street and Elkader Economic Development Director. She most recently worked in the Cedar Falls Main Street program.
By Pat McTaggart
Freelance Writer
Proving there’s some truth to that old Hollywood line “There’s no place like home,” Emily Yadoff is returning to Northeast Iowa in a position that will enable her to strengthen the area’s economy.
Yadoff is Elkader’s new Economic Development Corporation (EDC)/Main Street Director; she started her job on Tuesday.
The native McGregor resident replaces Roger Thomas, who retired from the position last month. She was chosen for the position from a field of 11 applicants.
Following her graduation from MFL MarMac in 2006, Yadoff studied at Iowa State University where she earned degrees in Marketing and Technical Communication. Following her graduation, she moved back to McGregor and found work as the administrative assistant at the Clayton County Development Group office in Elkader where she worked with communities in the area to promote tourism opportunities throughout the county.
“I was there for about two years before moving on to the job as Events & Promotions Coordinator at Community Main Street in Cedar Falls,” she continued. “During my four-year tenure in Cedar Falls, I assisted with the planning and coordination of 25-plus retail, fundraising and community events each year. I’ve also recently been expanding my talents as a creative artist with some freelance graphic design work. “
“I wasn’t actually looking for work in northeast Iowa when I heard Roger was retiring,” she added. “My fiancé was pursuing work at Glacier National Park, and we were just trying to figure out the best place to relocate to together. But northeast Iowa has become home for both of us, so he encouraged me to apply for the opening.”
Her dual role will have many duties. As EDC /Main Street Director, she will report to the City Administrator relative her work for the City and to the President of Main Street relative to the economic development services provided to Main Street. Some of her responsibilities will be: serve as staff liaison and support to the Elkader Development Corporation and assists it in creating and implementing programs/initiatives that support its purpose and fosters a positive business atmosphere. This includes administering the EDC’s revolving loan fund. Coordinate the activities of the Community Marketing Committee, including coordinating tourism activities. Serve as the first point of contact for economic development services. Ensure that the City of Elkader is competitive locally, regionally and nationally in attracting prospective companies. Prepare and maintain census and demographic information pertinent to the preparation of and carrying out of grants, marketing and other activities to the benefit of the city. Become familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings and business and residential development sites within the community. This will include both public and private buildings and land areas.
Yadoff will coordinate activity of Main Street program committees, manage all administrative aspects of the Main Street program and assist property owners with physical improvement projects when possible. She also has the responsibility to represent the community at the local, state and national levels to important constituencies.
“Elkader is a great community full of opportunities for growth and people who want to make it even better and I look forward to being part of it,” Emily said.
