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Schiltz begins work in city’s economic development office |
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By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Persons entering Caledonia City Hall just might see a new face in the economic development authority (EDA) office. Although she’s new to City Hall, Jane Schiltz is no stranger to Caledonia.
“I was born, raised, and schooled here,” said Schiltz, who took over the duties of staffing the Caledonia EDA office last week. “I’ve lived in Caledonia all my life and probably always will.”
Schiltz is taking over the duties of Joyce Iverson, who has served as the city’s EDA director for the past four years. Both Schiltz and Iverson work for Southeast Minnesota Development Corporation (SEMDC). The Rushford-based company provides economic development consultants to staff municipal and county offices throughout Southeast Minnesota. Iverson has been wearing two hats in Caledonia, serving as the EDA director for both the city and Houston County.
With the massive amounts of paperwork required to obtain various state and federal flood disaster grants and loans, Iverson has been spending quite a bit of time “coaching” applicants through the very complicated process. SEMDC realized the need to have someone with Iverson’s experience helping applicants in both Houston and Fillmore counties. A decision was recently made to have Iverson handle the grant and loan application process, and hired Schiltz to work in the Caledonia EDA office.
Iverson will continue to serve as the Houston County EDA director, working two days a week out of the office in Caledonia.
Schiltz has worked in the financial industry for 23 years, first as a teller and then as a vice president at Sprague National Bank in Caledonia (now Merchants Bank). She then served as the manager of the AmericInn in Caledonia for seven years. For the past two years, she has been the office manager at the Mutual of Omaha office in Caledonia.
“I will continue working at the Mutual of Omaha office three days a week, and will be working 16 hours a week in the Caledonia EDA office,” Schiltz explained. “Joyce will be working with me to get me up to speed. This type of position is all about networking with businesspeople and other agencies.
“I think this will be a good fit for me,” Schiltz continued. “I’ve always been involved in the business community here, with community celebrations, and various organizations. I think I’ve got a good feel for the community, and should be able to get up to speed real soon.”
Schiltz’ first couple of weeks in the office have been occupied with organizing the Caledonia Area Business Appreciation event, which will be held March 6 at the Four Seasons Community Center. The event is sponsored by the Caledonia EDA and recognizes area business owners.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
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