PROJECTS

Our Projects

Working with City and County governments, Western Iowa Tech Community College, Cherokee Community School District, Cherokee Area Economic Development Corp. and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, Cherokee Industrial Corporation has invested in a number of significant projects.

The ability to access rail for transportation is vital to several area businesses. Cherokee Industrial Corp. has maintained a rail spur which is serviced by CN Railroad and is located on the south side of Cherokee. Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP), an ethanol plant located in Galva, Iowa, had need of a means to utilize rail to transport ethanol. Cherokee Industrial Corporation invested in the design, construction and ongoing maintenance of a transload facility at which ethanol is safely transferred from tankers to rail cars. Ethanol began flowing through the transload facility in late March 2012. QCCP is a valuable partner purchasing corn from area growers, providing jobs to area residents and producing ethanol contributing to energy independence. In addition, the DDG by-product of ethanol production is a valuable feed for dairy cows.

Ethanol Transload

During the construction of the transload facility, Cherokee Industrial Corporation also rebuilt much of the lead rail spur which serves two additional major employers in Cherokee…Cloverleaf Cold Storage and American Natural Processors. We continue to invest in infrastructure to maintain rail access.

Business Development

We work with businesses and entrepreneurs to help them either grow or establish a business here in Cherokee. From helping to develop business plans to identifying properties to providing financial assistance to the extent that we can, we are eager to help in any way possible.

Community Development

In addition to the acquisition and renovation of properties, Cherokee Industrial Corporation believes that contributing to worthwhile projects that enhance our community is critical to our mission. To that end, we have made significant donations to

• Western Iowa Tech Community College for last dollar scholarships as well as for curriculum additions

• Cherokee Community School District for enhancements to the Industrial Arts equipment as well as for curriculum additions

• Cherokee Trails for the expansion of the walking, hiking and biking trail system

• Sanford Museum and Planetarium for renovations and replacement of the Planetarium’s projector

• Cherokee Daycare for renovations

Cherokee Industrial Corporation Offices

In December 2013, Cherokee Industrial Corporation acquired the historic building located at 201 W. Main St. in Cherokee. Built in 1896, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the renovation process, every effort was made to preserve its historic value. Again, the building needed a new roof immediately. Once the roof had been replaced, the group volunteered numerous hours cleaning out and gutting the interior. All of the windows and doors were replaced as well as masonry repair and replacement. The entire first floor interior was renovated into offices for Cherokee Industrial Corporation as well as Cherokee Area Economic Development and Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. A conference room is available for meetings and workshops. Walls, flooring, ceilings, electrical, plumbing and HVAC were all replaced and updated.

Cherokee Main Street Pharmacy

In 2017, Cherokee Industrial Corporation acquired a commercial property. Initially, Cherokee Industrial Corporation did some repairs to ensure that the property did not fall into disrepair and to improve marketability. In conjunction with Western Iowa Tech Community College and Washington High School, students earning dual credit began the process of renovating the interior of the building. A buyer was identified and renovation began to their specifications. The property is the new home of Cherokee Main Street Pharmacy.

Valley Veterinary Center

In 2018, Cherokee Industrial Corporation acquired a commercial property which had fallen into serious disrepair. Located on Hwy 59 and in a prime location, this building has been a long-time part of Cherokee. The roof, doors and insulation were replaced. Valley Veterinary Center whose main office was located next door purchased the property in order to expand their large animal practice. Cherokee Industrial Corporation’s involvement saved a solid building in a prime location and enabled an existing business to expand.

TransAmerica Financial Advisors

Cherokee Industrial Corporation purchased the property at 116 S. 4th St, Cherokee, IA. This historic building had fallen into disrepair. It needed immediate action before further damage occurred. Once they had replaced the roof, the group volunteered to clean up and clean out the interior of the building. Improvements to the property included a new sidewalk, painting, drywall/ceiling, masonry repair, electrical work, new furnace, AC, water heater and new bathroom. The result is two top quality offices. Transamerica Financial Advisors purchased the property as home for their offices.

CIC Light Industrial Site

In 2011, Cherokee Industrial Corporation acquired 7.2 acres located at a primary entrance to the city with high visibility. At that time, it was a dilapidated trailer park. Working with the City of Cherokee, residents were relocated. The property was cleaned up and utilities were rerouted. This property is the future home of Cherokee Locker which will offer expanded meat processing capabilities benefitting area producers and customers.