It has been five full years since The Siouxland Initiative (TSI) last embarked on a fundraising campaign and much has changed since that time. Our economy is growing, investment in local infrastructure is booming, and we are completing important quality-of-life projects like the Miracle Field, Freedom Park, LaunchPAD Children’s Museum, and the Historic Pearl District.

The good news extends throughout the entire metro region as Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota have all enjoyed significant progress. This growth, however, has presented challenges, none greater than the twin dilemmas presented by a rapidly increasing demand for both labor and housing. To this end, TSI has led the region’s quest to retain a Director of Workforce Solutions, and we remain committed to helping our tri-state employers access the workforce and skilled labor they require to continue to grow and expand here in Siouxland.

Looking to the future, after 25 years, TSI has elected to suspend the recurring fundraising campaigns of the past and will instead adopt a more consistent and reliable model of continual giving. As a result, from this date forward, TSI will respectfully ask you to consider increasing your annual giving and to maintain your commitment to our regional economic development efforts from year to year.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Steering Committee, and staff of The Siouxland Initiative, thank you for your continuing investment in the economic development of the Siouxland region.

Sincerely,

Jim Jensen – TSI Chairman

Ch

ris McG

owan

– President

Barbara Slon

iker – Executive V

ice President

Lori A

llen – D

irector of Finan

ce

Mary K

oster – Executive A

ssistant

Kory M

enken

– Director of W

orkforce Solutions

Teresa Rosen

boom – D

irector of Com

mun

ications

Sam W

agner – D

irector of Busin

ess Reten

tion

MESSAGE FROM TSI CHAIRMAN, JIM JENSEN

THE SIOUXLAND INITIATIVE STAFF

Founded in 1988, The Siouxland Initiative (TSI) is a private sector, not-for-profit regional economic development organization focused on increasing and enhancing employment opportunities in the tri-state region of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Dedicated to a triangulated strategy of business recruitment, business retention, and the promotion of entrepreneurship, TSI works closely with the public sector economic development professionals who represent the states, municipalities, and counties that comprise our Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The public / private alliance that has been developed between TSI and the regional economic development

partners has proven invaluable to Siouxland’s ability to achieve our shared objectives.

TSI receives 100% of its operational budget from voluntary donations. The organization has no taxing authority and as such is totally dependent upon the financial support of our investor partners. From these investors, approximately 80% of TSI’s funding comes from private sector businesses that recognize the important role the organization plays in shaping and improving the Siouxland economy and quality-of-life initiatives. The remaining 20% of TSI’s funding is generated from financial commitments from our public sector partners.

NE #3, IA #7 & SD #5 rankings in employment leaders in 2014 – Business Facilities MagazineIowa ranked #3 in Renewable Energy Leaders in 2014 – Business Facilities MagazineSioux City Metro ranked #29 in nation in “Best Places for Business & Careers” – Forbes (Aug 2013)

ABOUT THE SIOUXLAND INITIATIVE

SIOUXLAND RANKING

SIOUXLAND METRONAMED #1

FOR PERSONALINCOME GROWTH

– U.S. BUREAU OFECONOMIC ANALYSIS

2015

IOWA #2NEBRASKA #3

SOUTH DAKOTA #4BEST STATES FOR YOUNG

PEOPLE IN 2014

– MONEYRATES.COM

SIOUXLAND RANKED AMONG THE BEST

#1: ‘07, ‘08, ‘12, ‘13#2: ‘09, ‘14

#3: ‘06FOR ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT IN METROS WITH POPULATIONS 50K - 200K

– SITE SELECTIONMAGAZINE

BESTSMALL CITIES

FORCOLLEGE

GRADS 2014 SIOUX CITY

– CREDITDONKEY.COM

NEBRASKA #7IOWA #10

SOUTH DAKOTA #11BEST STATES FORDOING BUSINESS

– CNBC (2015)

SIOUX CITYRANKED #7 FOR MOST JOB

OPPORTUNITIESPER CAPITA IN 4Q 2013

– BEYOND.COM

To successfully market and attract businesses to the certified, development–ready industrial sites at Bridgeport West and the Southbridge Industrial Park in Iowa, Roth Industrial Park in Nebraska, and Flynn Business Park in South Dakota.

To secure a new signature company to serve as an anchor, white-collar employer for the downtown business district.

To accomplish expanded transportation access for our business entities via commercial air service, rail, barge, and road specifically including the completion of Highway 20 and the reconstruction of Interstate 29.

To play a central role in the revitalization of businesses impacted by developments along the Missouri River while leading a dialogue with state and federal officials to ensure implementation of a permanent solution to future threats to our tri-state region from the Missouri River.

To expand our social media presence and maintain one of the top economic development websites in the nation by consistently updating, enhancing, and improving our internet content, as well as its functionality for site selectors and corporate real estate executives.

To provide annual economic development education seminars to regional elected officials while encouraging and facilitating monthly conferences designed to support and foster regional cooperation between our tri-state public sector partners.

2011-2015 GOALS

When Sabre was looking for a location for a major expansion, our company, along with our site selection

consultants, seriously considered locations throughout the United States. The Siouxland Initiative was

instrumental in the evaluation process and proved to be an outstanding advocate for this community and

an invaluable resource to our organization. TSI demonstrated their commitment to our business and

helped make sure that staying in Siouxland was the best long-term solution for Sabre.

Brian Newberg,Executive Vice President & General Manager

Sabre Industries

“”

Provide leadership throughout the Siouxland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in addressing the workforce challenges faced by area employers in the wake of strong regional business expansion and economic growth.

Support the development of market-rate workforce housing.

Continue to aggressively pursue a signature white-collar employer to anchor the downtown business district.

Expand the online and internet-based assets for TSI to include a comprehensive social media presence, as well as a fully redesigned website to promote local business expansion while attracting potential employers and employees to Siouxland.

Foster a healthy and diverse regional entrepreneurial environment.

Encourage and advance educational programming and job skills initiatives that prepare the current and future workforce for careers in high-demand fields.

Build upon our strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and health care to promote and attract innovative new industries to Siouxland.

Identify emerging market trends and business expansion opportunities through a robust tri–state business retention program.

FUTURE TSI GOALS

TSI was instrumental in helping us to solve the working capital gap

funding we needed when conventional financing would not work

for our start-up. It was wonderful to present to Board members

who were actually business owners and leaders in the community,

many of whom had gone through the same things we were going

through in starting our business.

Craig Stanley, PresidentSteck Wholesale Foods

“

”

CF INDUSTRIES

Woodbury County

Fertilizer manufacturing plant expansion

Capital investment - $2 billion

Jobs created – 125 permanent, 4,000 construction

SEABOARD-TRIUMPH

Sioux City

New state-of-the-art pork processing plant

Capital Investment - $264 million

Jobs created – 1,100 permanent, 800+ construction

BIG OX ENERGY

South Sioux City

New renewable natural gas refinery

Capital investment - $40 million

Jobs created – 30 permanent

AGP

Woodbury County

Soybean oil refinery expansion

Capital investment - $90 million

Jobs created – 20 permanent

CONVERGYS

Sergeant Bluff

Employment expansion

Jobs created – 100 permanent

WELLS ENTERPRISES

Le Mars

Ice cream production expansion

Capital investment – $19.3 million

Jobs created – 19 permanent

MAJOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The Siouxland Region consistently ranks as one of the top performing metropolitan areas in Site Selection

Magazine’s annual ranking of Top Metros, based on overall performance in new and expanded corporate

facilities. In fact, in one recent eight year period, Siouxland ranked either first or second in the nation among

all metro areas of less than 200,000 five times. And it has won that competition outright no less than four times

over the past decade. In short, the region’s resilience, fortitude and remarkable determination keep driving it

to the top of the national economic development charts.

Ron Starner, Executive Vice PresidentSite Selection Magazine and Conway Inc., Atlanta, GA

“

”

BOMGAARS

Sioux City

Retail warehouse expansion

Capital investment - $17 million

Jobs created – 15 permanent

INTERBAKE FOODS

North Sioux City

Manufacturing upgrades

Capital investment - $11.4 million

Jobs created – 60 permanent, 24 upgraded

RICHARDSON MILLING

South Sioux City

Processing and warehouse expansion

Capital investment - $19 million

Jobs created - 5 permanent

OMEGA INDUSTRIES

South Sioux City

Railroad crossing manufacturing expansion

Capital investment - $500,000

Jobs created - 20 permanent

BRAUNGER FOODS

Sioux City

Grocery distribution relocation & expansion

Capital investment - $2.2 million

Jobs retained – 47 permanent

LAWRENCE & SCHILLER TELESERVICES

North Sioux City

New call center

Jobs created – 100

In 2012, CF Industries management asked me to reach out to The Siouxland Initiative (TSI) to help our

organization explore appropriate state and local economic development incentive packages for what was, at

the time, the single largest capital investment in Iowa’s history. We sought an organization we could trust with a

highly confidential project, which could also introduce us to the key decision makers at all levels of government.

Despite a very aggressive timeline, TSI did not disappoint. I have a high level of respect for the TSI team and

their ability to deliver seamlessly under very challenging conditions.

Rosemary O’Brien, Vice President Public AffairsCF Industries

“

”

Geography:

Iowa – Woodbury & Plymouth Counties

Nebraska – Dakota & Dixon Counties South Dakota – Union County

Population: 168,806 (2015)

Per capita personal income: $43,465 (2015)

Unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2015)

Top 5 Employers:

1. Tyson Fresh Meats

2. Wells Enterprises, Inc.

3. Sioux City Community School District

4. Mercy Medical Center – Sioux City

5. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s

The Siouxland Initiative, MidAmerican Energy, and economic development partners in all three states conducted 60+ business retention interviews with regional employers to collect key points of information about the local economy in the first quarter of 2015. The results of these visits have been aggregated into a statewide report entitled the “BEST of Iowa,” which complements the findings of our local and regional visits and provides us a picture of local performance compared to state, Midwest, and national indicators.

The findings of these regional interviews point to a strong local economy that is adjusting to a downturned agricultural sector. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of firms interviewed reported an increase in sales compared to 2014, while 58% anticipate expanding within the next three years. Furthermore, firms reported a solid level of satisfaction among a wide range of community and quality-of-life measurements. Workforce issues, especially availability and stability, are an often-cited barrier to growth with 82% of companies experiencing recruitment challenges. In addition, the strong dollar has emerged as a troubling trend for export-oriented companies.

Workforce availability, especially for skilled and professional positions, ranked as the most important concern for area employers. Compared with state, Midwest, and national rankings, Siouxland employers generally ranked the availability of workers in the area significantly lower on a standardized 1-7 scale:

In terms of productivity, Siouxland employers typically score their workers well compared with other regions.

While a majority of local employers ranked workforce stability highly, the relative rankings of workforce stability lagged behind the rest of Iowa and the Midwest. Siouxland employers who ranked workforce stability in the low end (1-3) did so at a comparatively greater rate, which suggests a greater share of employer frustration relative to other regions. The results of the interview suggest that higher scores in retention equate to generally higher scores in productivity.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC TRENDS

2015 SIOUXLAND BUSINESS SURVEY

WORKFORCE

SIOUXLAND AT A GLANCE

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Workforce: Availability

NADS '14

NADS '15

Midwest '14

Midwest '15

Iowa '14

Iowa '15

Local

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Workforce: Stability

NADS '14

NADS '15

Midwest '14

Midwest '15

Iowa '14

Iowa '15

Local

Iowa and Nebraska exports reached record highs in 2014, underscoring the importance of export markets to Siouxland firms. Additionally, the value of the dollar remains high compared to many foreign currencies. The dollar strength index has been rising from a low in 2011 to values not seen since 2003, resulting in higher prices for U.S. exported goods in foreign markets. Fierce price competition and lower sales in many key export markets are a major concern for Siouxland exporters of agricultural and manufactured goods, many of whom tend to be more sensitive to prolonged highs in the dollar strength index.

Overall, Siouxland employers expressed satisfaction with a wide range of community services and quality-of-life measurements. Emergency services, Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, and education received solid scores in all three Siouxland states. On the other end of the spectrum, scores in transportation issues including

streets and roads, airline passenger service, and traffic control reflected areas of concern for our local businesses. It should be noted, however, that many respondents acknowledged that traffic conditions related to I-29 and Highway 20 construction are temporary in nature.

Community Services & Quality of Life

Avg. Score1-Low 7-High

Fire Protection 6.29Ambulance Paramedic Service 6.25Chamber of Commerce/Business Association 6.14College(s) and University(ies) 6.04Economic Development Organization 6.03Police Protection 6.03Health Care Services 5.79Trucking 5.67Community & Tech College 5.65Schools (K-12) 5.61Community Services 5.56Planning 5.26

Air Cargo Service 5.17County Services 5.16Highways (Province & Federal) 5.13Regulatory Enforcement 5.11Child Care Services 4.97Public Transportation 4.92Zoning Changes and Building Permits 4.92Workforce Services 4.85Traffi c Control 4.83Property Tax Assessment 4.56Streets and Roads (Local) 4.45Airline Passenger Service 2.75

SIOUXLAND EXPORTS

COMMUNITY SERVICES & QUALITY OF LIFE SATISFACTION

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

125

2008 2010 2012 2014

Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Sys tem (US)

Trade Weighted U.S. Dollar Index: Broad

(Ind

ex Ja

n 1

997=

100)

South Sioux City is proud to support our tri-state economic development partner, The Siouxland Initiative. TSI sees no regional boundaries as they promote and solicit new opportunity for the entire Siouxland area. Their mission is simple and they do it well: promote and grow Siouxland.

Rod Koch, MayorCity of South Sioux City

“”

Jim Jensen, Chair Great West Casualty CompanySkip Perley, Vice Chair Thompson Electric CompanyDarin Daby U.S. Bank Sioux City NAJames Fitzpatrick Mercy Medical Center - Sioux CityJohn W. Gleeson Klinger Companies Inc.Kathryn Kunert MidAmerican Energy CompanyMarty Palmer Palmer Candy CompanyDana Rand L & L Builders CompanyRegina Roth Beef Products, Inc.John Wagner Wells Fargo Bank NA - DowntownRichard Waller Security National BankChic Wolfe Office Systems CompanyCharese Yanney Guarantee Roofing & Siding

E. B. Baker C.W. Suter ServicesJane Bomgaars BomgaarsTim Brown Brown Wegher ConstructionCy W. Chesterman, Sr. Chesterman CompanyBrian Crichton Cannon Moss Brygger ArchitectsBill Gaukel City of Sergeant BluffDaniel Kaplan Cloverleaf Cold StorageKyle Kelly Century 21 ProLinkRod Koch City of South Sioux CityTanya LaBahn Great Southern Bank - Sioux CityJeff Lapke Central Bank - DowntownKevin McManamy United Real Estate Solutions Inc.Mark Monson Woodbury County Board of SupervisorsTerry Murrell Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeBrent Olson Long Lines, LLCDoug Palmer Tegra CorporationRonald C. Peterson Sioux City JournalKeith Radig City of Sioux CityRalph Reeder Dunes Surgical HospitalShennen Saltzman Pioneer Bank - Sergeant BluffSteve Schneider Gerkin Windows & DoorsGarrett K. Smith American Pop Corn CompanyJoel Steenhoven Siouxland Federal Credit Union - South Sioux CityMike Wells Wells Enterprises Inc.John Williams Henjes Conner & Williams PCLynn Wold UnityPoint Health - St Luke’s

TSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TSI STEERING COMMITTEE

Aalfs Manufacturing Inc. Sioux City, IA

Albaton Enterprises LLC Sioux City, IA

American Pop Corn Company Sioux City, IA

Artisan Press Inc. Sioux City, IA

Avery Brothers Sign Co. Sioux City, IA

Beef Products Inc. Dakota Dunes, SD

Bomgaars Sioux City, IA

Brown Wegher Construction North Sioux City, SD

C.W. Suter Services Sioux City, IA

Cannon Moss Brygger Architects Sioux City, IA

Cardiovascular Associates PC Sioux City, IA

Central Bank - Downtown Sioux City, IA

Century 21 ProLink Sioux City, IA

CF Industries Nitrogen LLC Sergeant Bluff, IA

Chesterman Co. Sioux City, IA

City of Sergeant Bluff Sergeant Bluff, IA

City of Sioux City Sioux City, IA

City of South Sioux City South Sioux City, NE

Cloverleaf Cold Storage Sioux City, IA

CNOS PC Dakota Dunes, SD

Concrete Products Co. Sioux City, IA

Crary Huff Law Firm Sioux City, IA

Curly’s Foods Inc. Sioux City, IA

Dennis Supply Company Sioux City, IA

Dunes Surgical Hospital Dakota Dunes, SD

FEH Associates, Inc. Sioux City, IA

Foulk Bros Plumbing & Heating Co. Sioux City, IA

GELITA USA Inc. Sioux City, IA

Gerkin Windows & Doors South Sioux City, NE

Great Southern Bank Sioux City, IA

Great West Casualty Co. South Sioux City, NE

Guarantee Roofing & Siding Sioux City, IA

Gunderson’s Jewelers Sioux City, IA

Heidman Law Firm Sioux City, IA

Henjes Conner & Williams PC Sioux City, IA

Iowa-Nebraska State Bank South Sioux City, NE

Jebro Inc. Sioux City, IA

K & B Transportation Inc. South Sioux City, NE

KCAU-TV Sioux City, IA

King Reinsch Prosser & Co LLP Sioux City, IA

Klinger Companies Inc. Sioux City, IA

Knoepfler Chevrolet Co. Sioux City, IA

KTIV-TV Sioux City, IA

L & L Builders Co. Sioux City, IA

L & L Distributing Co Inc. Sioux City, IA

L G Everist Inc. Sioux Falls, SD

Liberty National Bank - Dakota Dunes Dakota Dunes, SD

Long Lines, LLC Sergeant Bluff, IA

Mercy Medical Center - Sioux City Sioux City, IA

MidAmerican Energy Company Sioux City, IA

Mills-Shellhammer-Puetz & Associates Sioux City, IA

Nichols Rise & Company LLP Sioux City, IA

Northwest Bank Sioux City, IA

Office Systems Company Sioux City, IA

Palmer Candy Company Sioux City, IA

Pathology Medical Services of Siouxland Sioux City, IA

Pinnacle Bank Sioux City, IA

Pioneer Bank Sergeant Bluff, IA

Prince Manufacturing Corporation North Sioux City, SD

Security National Bank Sioux City, IA

Sioux City Journal Sioux City, IA

Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Sioux City, IA

Siouxland Federal Credit Union South Sioux City, NE

Siouxland National Bank South Sioux City, NE

State Steel Supply Sioux City, IA

Tegra Corporation Sioux City, IA

The Andersons Nutra-Flo North Sioux City, SD

The Boyle Companies/Wendy’s Dakota Dunes, SD

Thompson Electric Company Sioux City, IA

Tyson Fresh Meats Dakota Dunes, SD

U.S. Bank Sioux City NA Sioux City, IA

United Real Estate Solutions Inc. Sioux City, IA

UnityPoint Health - St Luke’s Sioux City, IA

Wells Enterprises Inc. Le Mars, IA

Wells Fargo Bank NA-Downtown Sioux City, IA

Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA

Wilson Trailer Company Sioux City, IA

Woodbury County Board of Supervisors Sioux City, IA

TSI INVESTORS

101 Pierce StSioux City, IA • 51101-1433

(712) 255-7903thesiouxlandinitiative.com