RINGGOLD COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

It's our mission to strengthen the economic well-being of Ringgold County through a commitment to business, industrial and recruitment, fostering a teleworking community that encourages professionalism, promoting recreation & tourism, and collaborating with local schools & local, regional and state governments.

Ringgold County Development Corporation News

RCDC Awarded Travel Iowa Grant 


Ringgold County Development is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 matching grant through

Travel Iowa, Iowa’s tourism office. The grant will be used to support tourism marketing and promotional efforts showcasing Ringgold County as a destination for visitors as well as a great place to work, live and do business in.

The Travel Iowa Matching Grant program is designed to support projects that increase tourism-related visitation and economic impact across the state. Funds awarded to Ringgold County Development will be matched locally and invested in strategic marketing initiatives aimed at highlighting the county’s unique attractions, events, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town experiences.

“This grant allows us to expand our reach and more effectively tell the story of Ringgold County,” said RCDC Director, Nicole McGinnis. “By promoting what makes our communities special, we can attract visitors who support local businesses, lodging, dining, and attractions, strengthening our local economy.”

Tourism plays a vital role in Ringgold County’s economic development efforts, generating revenue and supporting jobs throughout the county. Total visitor expenditures in Ringgold County grew 2.9% yoy from 2023 to 2024. The grant-funded promotions will align with broader regional and state tourism strategies to encourage both new and repeat visitors.

Ringgold County Development extends its appreciation to Travel Iowa for recognizing the potential of Ringgold County as a tourism destination and for investing in efforts that support sustainable economic growth.

CTE Groundbreaking

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, October 27th, for the future site of the CTE Academy. Representatives from Estes Construction, Mount Ayr Community Schools, Southwestern Community College (SWCC), and our own Ringgold County Development Corporation (RCDC) participated. RCDC Board President Sandy Pierschbacher, Board Member Brandi Shay (representing both SWCC and RCDC), Executive Director Nicole McGinnis, and Project Consultant Jodie Geist were all in attendance.

Mount Ayr Community Schools is teaming up with Southwestern Community College to launch a new Career & Technical Education (CTE) Academy right here in our region. In this innovative partnership:

Students will gain access to high-quality, hands-on instruction and real-world career training in fields such as automotive repair, welding/building trades, health care, and more.

The CTE Academy is being developed as a regional effort—serving our school district and neighboring districts—and supported through state grants and local collaboration.

Construction is now underway on a dedicated facility located south of the Mount Ayr Community Schools campus, and the goal is to begin programming in the fall of 2026.

This partnership marks a significant step forward for our community: unlocking new opportunities, strengthening our workforce pipeline, and ensuring our students are equipped for success in tomorrow’s job market.

Stay tuned for updates: we’ll share when the facility opens, how students can enroll, and how local businesses can engage with the program.


RCDC Celebrates a Year of Growth…

RCDC Celebrates a Year of Growth and Honors Longtime Board Member at Annual Meeting

The Ringgold County Development Corporation (RCDC) held its annual meeting on October 15, 2025, at the American Legion Hall in Mount Ayr. Community members, business leaders, and local officials gathered to reflect on another year of progress, partnerships, and positive momentum across Ringgold County.

Board President Justin Akers opened the meeting, welcoming attendees and leading the business portion of the evening, which included the approval of minutes, review of financial reports, and election of directors and officers. The Board welcomed Brad Elliott and Justin Murphy as new board members and Kim Greenland into a new term of service. President Justin Akers will be ending his term as President with Sandy Pierschbacher being elected into the position to serve. Others elected into officer positions were Morgan Waldeier for Vice President, Paul Glendenning as Secretary and Tracy Barnes as Treasurer.

During the meeting, Executive Director Nicole McGinnis shared highlights from the 2025 Annual Report which demonstrated RCDC’s continued commitment to strengthening economic vitality and quality of life in Ringgold County.

Among the many accomplishments celebrated were:

  • Expanding the Team: RCDC added a part-time Project Consultant position to support ongoing projects and community initiatives.
  • Supporting Local Business: The launch of the Rooted in Ringgold small business learning series connected local experts and entrepreneurs for education and collaboration.
  • Promoting Tourism: A refreshed Ringgold County Tourism Guide was printed and distributed, and a Travel Iowa grant was submitted to promote the area beyond the region.
  • Growing Housing Opportunities: RCDC partnered with the City of Mount Ayr on a Homes for Iowa build, creating new housing opportunities and reinvesting in local neighborhoods.
  • Encouraging Development: Updates to the Ringgold County Industrial Park listings and new signage strengthened visibility for future business recruitment.
  • Engaging the Community: Events like Road Trip Ringgold and a county-wide Shred-It Day brought residents together, while partnerships with Mount Ayr Community Schools and SWCC advanced the new Career & Technical Education (CTE) Academy project.

Looking ahead, McGinnis noted that RCDC will focus on leadership development, marketing initiatives, and housing growth in the coming year. Plans include the launch of a new Leadership Training Course and a marketing strategy in partnership with Emerge Marketing, pending the Travel Iowa Grant award.

A heartfelt highlight of the evening came when retiring board member Dick Elliott was honored for his 38 years of dedicated service to RCDC and the people of Ringgold County.

Dick became an RCDC stockholder in 1987 and was immediately elected to the Board of Directors that same year. Following in the footsteps of his father, Jack Elliott, who also served as RCDC President, Dick later assumed the role himself when Jack retired from his officer position to serve as the organization’s coordinator.

He fondly recalls attending his very first RCDC meeting at the Shamrock Café which was then known as the Black Angus Room once located at the very site where Casey’s stands today. Over nearly four decades, Dick served in numerous capacities, dedicating countless hours to recruiting businesses, supporting local industry, and helping shape the region’s economic growth.

Fellow long time board member summed up his impact perfectly:

“Dick has sure been a knowledgeable, strong, sensible, and valuable member of RCDC.”

The organization and community extend their heartfelt thanks to Dick for his decades of leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to “Grow Ringgold County.”

As the meeting concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride and optimism for the future. With a strong board, engaged community partners, and continued forward-thinking leadership, RCDC is well-positioned to build on its success and keep Ringgold County thriving

Ringgold County Development Launches
Small Business Learning Series 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Affordable Home Coming to Mount Ayr Through Homes for Iowa Partnership

Mount Ayr, Iowa – June 25, 2025-Ringgold County Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of Mount Ayr, is pleased to announce the start of the application process for  placement of a new Homes for Iowa home at 503 W Monroe St., Mount Ayr, IA. The new construction will be a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home totaling 1,203 square feet with an attached two car garage, offering high-quality, affordable housing to eligible Iowans.

The Homes for Iowa program is a unique public-private initiative designed to address two critical issues in the state: the shortage of affordable housing and the need for job training and rehabilitation opportunities within Iowa’s correctional system. Homes are constructed by incarcerated men who are trained in skilled trades, then sold to qualified buyers across the state.

As of mid-2024, the program has successfully built, sold, and delivered 91 homes across Iowa.

Key Features of the Home Include:

  • 2×6 frame construction, stick-built at the Homes for Iowa Production Site near Newton Correctional Facility
  • Clear-span engineered floor trusses and engineered, stamped roof trusses
  • High-efficiency HVAC systems and electric water heater
  • R-19 wall insulation and R-49 attic insulation with air sealing for energy efficiency
  • Pella windows and durable, quality cabinetry with soft-close drawers
  • Main floor laundry hookups and a bump-out window feature
  • Built to 2015 International Residential Code and inspected by a state-approved third-party inspector
  • Shipped utility-ready with fully completed exterior and interior finishes

The home will be available for purchase to buyers who meet the Homes for Iowa income eligibility guidelines. Buyers must have a taxable income (after credits and deductions) below $125,000, as verified by their most recent IRS Form 1040. You can contact Ringgold County Development Corporation Executive Director, Nicole McGinnis to discuss interest or if you have any questions on the project.

Ringgold County Development will also be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a General Contractor to assist with the final installation and site development. Additional details regarding the RFP will be announced in the near future.

This project reflects Ringgold County Development’s ongoing commitment to investing in community growth, providing accessible housing opportunities, and fostering partnerships that make a positive impact.

For more information, please contact:
Ringgold County Development

Nicole McGinnis
641.464.3704
directorringgolddevelopment@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ringgold County Development Corporation Names Nicole McGinnis as New Executive Director

Mount Ayr, Iowa – April 16, 2025 – The Ringgold County Development Corporation (RCDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole McGinnis as its new Executive Director, effective April 1st. McGinnis succeeds Jodie Geist, who will transition to a part-time role as Project Consultant after years of dedicated service.

Nicole McGinnis moved to Mount Ayr in 2020 from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, where she brought over 16 years of experience in tourism and community development. McGinnis previously held the position of Tourism Director for the city of Lebanon, Missouri, and worked in various tourism-related roles. Most recently, she served as Branch Manager for American Family, Katie Turner and Associates, in Mount Ayr.

When McGinnis relocated to the area, she recognized that a tourism-related position might not be immediately available. In response, she pursued her insurance license, which she had previously held, and integrated herself into the community. Additionally, McGinnis opened “In The Ayr,” a unique shop featuring a blend of vintage and new home décor items.

A committed community leader, McGinnis became an active member of the Mount Ayr Chamber of Commerce, helping to create popular local events such as “Fresh Ayr Fridays” and the “Road Trip Ringgold” event, which is now in its fourth year. She currently serves as Vice President of the Mount Ayr Chamber of Commerce.

Nicole has always been passionate about the area, saying, “I fell in love with the region from my very first visit. The pride in ownership and the tremendous support for local businesses are incredibly inspiring.”

As the new Executive Director of RCDC, McGinnis is excited to continue fostering economic development and community engagement in Ringgold County. She looks forward to collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and residents to ensure continued growth and prosperity.

For more information about the Ringgold County Development Corporation, visit www.ringgolddevelopment.org or contact Nicole McGinnis at 641-464-3704.

About Ringgold County Development Corporation (RCDC)
The Ringgold County Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Ringgold County. RCDC works to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises, and create a vibrant, thriving community in the region.

STAY CONNECTED

Executive Director: Nicole McGinnis 

directorringgolddevelopment@gmail.com

Project Consultant: Jodie Geist

ringgolddevelopment@gmail.com

117 South Filmore St. Mount Ayr, IA 50854

(641)-464-3704 

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