Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) is delighted to announce the promotion of Rachelle Howe to Executive Director effective August 1, 2012. Howe graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. Howe was the Executive Director of Allamakee County Economic Development for 14 years before accepting a position at UERPC as Team Leader in Economic Development. She quickly became a Department Head after being with UERPC after two years. Howe is married with two children, Will and Grace and is a native of Waukon.
Howe states, “It is said best by Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Howe states, “I believe that UERPC staff as concerned citizens for our region believe in this motto. UERPC board and staff members can change the economic overview and want to make Northeast Iowa a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
“I am excited to be a part this positive movement and hope to lead UERPC and the Northeast Iowa region toward this mission.”
Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission was created in 1972 to promote regional cooperation and meet the planning and economic development needs of local governments in the 52 cities and five Northeast Iowa counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. Since 1972, UERPC has helped the region obtain over $184 million in federal and state grant funds to assist the cities and counties they serve. It also serves as the fiscal agent for Region1 Employment and Training.
For more information on what Upper Explorerland has to offer visit their website at www.uerpc.org or contact Rachelle Howe at rhowe@uerpc.org or 563-382-6171.