Institution: Iowa Valley Community College District
Since its founding in 2015, River Valley Pipe has grown from a single location in Lacon, Illinois, to a thriving operation in Iowa Falls, growth made possible in part by 260E. Partnering with Iowa Valley Community College District, River Valley Pipe secured $79,740 in training funds to onboard and upskill 11 new employees. Thanks to this investment, the company exceeded its hiring goals, adding 13 new team members by 2023. Working with Iowa Valley Business & Community Solutions, River Valley Pipe developed a customized training plan that included leadership development, Arc Flash Electrical Safety, and CPR/First Aid—building both skill and safety across their workforce. The company’s success story is a testament to the program’s critical role in supporting local manufacturing, strengthening the regional economy, and preparing Iowans for high-quality careers.