(Photo submitted) Jeff Tetzlaff (left), President, Cycle Country and Aaron Schulz, OEM Account Executive

One late night back in May, Aaron Schulz, former resident of Lakeville, Minn., sent an e-mail to Shaun Arneson, vice president with Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation inquiring about jobs here in the region. The next morning, his resume was sent to more than 70 employers. By the end of the day, Aaron had two job interviews scheduled.

"Attracting new residents to the four county region is a primary goal of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation," said Kathy Evert, president of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. "There are hundreds of unfilled job and career positions in the area that are attractive to new residents."

For Schulz, moving to northwest Iowa has brought him closer to family members that live in the area.

"I was born and raised in the twin cities and traveled here a lot as a kid," said Schulz. "There was something that appealed to me about a small town atmosphere, and I wondered what it would be like to live down here."

Schulz has taken a position at Cycle Country Accessories Corp. in Spencer, as the new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Account Executive. Aaron brings over 12 years of sales and marketing experience to Cycle Country. He has been hired to work closely with OEM customers to insure that they get great service and support.

Cycle Country engages in the design, manufacture, sale and distribution of accessories for all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).

"It was interesting how everything came together," said Schulz. "After looking so hard for the right position for awhile and then to have this happen and fit so well, it was perfect timing."

"We are thrilled to have Aaron onboard with our company," said Jeff Tetzlaff, president of Cycle Country Accessories Corp. "Because of the notice I received from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, Aaron accepted a position with us…"

The Iowa Lakes Corridor region of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties is home to some of the best outdoor recreational vistas in the upper Midwest, a diverse mix of business and industry, quality health care, exceptional secondary and post secondary education institutions and a thriving arts and cultural scene.

The Live, Work, Play Here Relay, a grassroots effort in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet Counties aiming to attract 100 new residents in each of the counties, is one way local residents can get involved in economic development. Rather than financial pledges, participants only need to complete a pledge form, listing up to three people or families they would like to have located here. Pledge forms can be completed online or downloaded from www.liveworkplayhere.org along with some tips and facts sheet. Residents who complete a pledge form will be entered in a monthly drawing for $100 in cash or prizes.