Ottumwa Leaders Share Best Practices With Other Communities
For Immediate Release: April 12, 2005
Contact: Randy Zorn (641) 683-4701, Suzanne McCarty, (952) 742-6246
Ottumwa, Iowa -- On April 8, Cargill sent Dale Uehling, Ottumwa’s mayor; Tom Rubel, superintendent of Ottumwa Schools; and community leaders from Beardstown, Ill.; to Hazelton, Pa, to share their experiences in dealing with a changing community. Uehling and Rubel highlighted Ottumwa’s efforts over the years to bring together the community to address challenges resulting from increased growth, diversity and changing demographics. Cargill initiated the meeting as part of its efforts to help Hazelton manage the changes in their community, where Cargill operates a meat-processing and packaging facility.
“Dale and Tom served as great ambassadors of Ottumwa and helped showcase Ottumwa’s efforts to manage our changing community,” said Randy Zorn, general manager of Cargill Pork’s Wapello County facility. “They provided tips and tools, shared ideas and offered resources that should be helpful to the Hazelton community.”