The Coon Rapids Development Group (CRDG) is a community organization designed to provide leadership and support to further the success of public and private projects which benefit the economic climate and improve the quality of life for Coon Rapids and area residents.

How to Contact Us

Write us at CRDG, PO Box 226, Coon Rapids Iowa, 50058, call us at 712-999-2437
or e-mail us CRDG@crmu.net

If you are a new resident in Coon Rapids, or planning to move here, please contact Jen Derner at 712-999-4536. We want to arrange a visit to welcome you.

If you are interested in starting a business or moving your business to Coon Rapids please contact our President Doug Carpenter at 712-999-9478 or dpcarp@crmu.net. He can work with you to identify sources of technical and financial support that can meet your business needs.

If you want to join CRDG or volunteer for any of the committees please contact Roger Clayburg our Organizational Development Chair at 712-999-6999 or rogerc@etvideo.com.

History and Accomplishments

Since it was formed in 1999 the Coon Rapids Development Group (CRDG) has played a role in the growth of existing
businesses and the establishment of new businesses in Coon Rapids. These businesses
include Macke Ford, Cruise Planners, Tall Corn Ethanol, ET Video, Coon Rapids
Chiropractic, and Hobby Farms.

The CRDG worked closely with the City Council, Coon Rapids Municipal Utilities and other organizations to develop two new residential subdivisions. These developments include over 20 new residential lots available in Coon Rapids.

CRDG funding is derived from individual and organizational investors who contribute annually and from sales of residential lots. These sales in part offset development costs.

The CRDG is a co-sponsor of the Coon Rapids - Whiterock Great Places Initiative. This initiative, as described elsewhere on this website, will build on our strengths to make Coon Rapids an ever greater place to visit, live or operate a business. Several CRDG projects are part of the initiative including rural tourism and micro-enterprise development, streetscape, and fostering public art.

The CRDG is lead by President, Doug Carpenter and a board of directors. The board is supported by eight committees:

Organizational Development

Support the organizational functioning of the CRDG through annual elections,
investment drives, and membership recruitment and relations.

Business Development

Promote local economic development through business needs assessment; helping
to identity and/or develop potential business locations, and marketing Coon
Rapids as a great place to live and do business.

Residential Development

Help meet Coon Rapids housing needs through the identification of those needs;
the development and marketing of residential housing lots, assistance to housing
developers; and the promotion of housing loan opportunities.

Community Beautification

Improve community appearance through landscaping and streetscape.

Community Enhancement

Support seasonal celebrations and other community activities and events,
welcome new residents to Coon Rapids.

Community Diversity

Work to increase interchange and understanding between diverse population
groups in Coon Rapids.