05/21/2026
I've been quiet for a WHILE now, but want to shout out about the Western Iowa Rural Passport. I've been working with Western Iowa Development Association on this since March, and although I won't be in the booklet this time, it is still extremely important to me to continue to elevate the other small businesses that give it their all in rural areas.
This is such a great way to get out and support local and do fun little day trips to the other communities just around the corner!
Please get a booklet from any of the participating businesses and GO WANDER!
Western Iowa Development Association (WIDA) is deeply committed to driving economic growth and fostering resilient communities across our region. Following the Rural Passportโs successful inaugural year as a grassroots initiative, it identified a strategic opportunity to adopt this model and scale it to serve as a permanent pillar of our regional development toolkit.
As we gear up for the 2026 Western Iowa Rural Passport Program, WIDA would like to shine a light on the incredible talent behind the scenes that makes this initiative a reality.
Most of you know Alysia Hess as the owner of ๐ป๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, formerly in Treynor, but we want to recognize her contributions in her capacity as the passports Program Coordinator + Creative Lead.
Alysia has been the heartbeat behind this initiative from its inception, helping transform initial concepts into a full-fledged, innovative program aimed at driving economic development and enhancing the quality of life in our rural small towns. Under WIDAโs direction, she has taken on the administrative and creative framework, managing program operations, stakeholder communication and coordination, and the refined visual strategy and brand integrity that will define this yearโs experience.
We are grateful for her vision, her drive, and her unwavering passion for supporting our local entrepreneurs. It is a true privilege to work alongside such a powerhouse.
