‘Elevate Adair’ forms as new economic development committee

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A group has formed in Adair known as Elevate Adair, an economic development committee within RIADA (Residents Interested in Agriculture and Development in Adair).

Megan Richter, co-chair of Elevate Adair, shared background information about RIADA.

“We’ve traced the group back to at least 1972 that started out as Adair Development. In 1975, Adair Development entered the Iowa Community Betterment Program. In 1996 the name changed to RIADA and became a 501(c)3 organization,” Richter said. “This provided an opportunity to obtain grants for community projects; to get more people of the community involved with economic development; and assure all money of the corporation would be reinvested in the economic development of the community.”

Richter said that, in recent years, RIADA has focused heavily on housing development in the Crawford Addition. To complement those efforts, they established a sub-group — Elevate Adair — dedicated to advancing economic development alongside continued housing growth.

Besides Richter’s role as co-chair, the leadership of Elevate Adair includes Renee Jensen (co-chair), Shannon Haus and Ashley Riggen (Grants and Funding Lead), Renee Jensen and Megan Richter (Business Outreach and Communications Lead), Mike Casey and Jody Schafer (Property Lead), Renee Jensen and Megan Richter (Events and Marketing Lead), Joanne Byers, Brenda Dudley, Renee Jensen and Diane Littler (Ex-Officio Members).

Richter explained the mission of Elevate Adair.

“Our mission is to strengthen Adair’s economy by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, attracting new community investment, and increasing downtown activity — all while honoring our small-town loyalty and preserving the legacy that brings generations together.”

She said they provide funding and training opportunities to ensure Adair continues to thrive for years to come.

“This mission reflects both a deep respect for Adair’s history and a forward-looking vision for its continued success,” she said.

The group welcomes anyone interested in contributing time and talents to help “Elevate Adair.”

Richter also explained that Elevate Adair is looking to create an Adair County area 10-Squared giving group that will function much like similarly named “10-Squared” area groups. The group will pool giving to make significant gifts to select projects in the area. The group looks to have its initial giving meeting in August.