Winnebago County

Winnebago County is ideal for growing businesses, but also for growing families. Great schools, low housing prices, scholarships for graduating seniors, outdoor recreation, entertainment, restaurants, shops and even a nearby casino work to create a vibrant lifestyle reminiscent of a much larger city. Our communities offer the best of both worlds - a hometown atmosphere combined with big city amenities. We invite you to discover all that our communities have to offer.

Date of HBI Establishment: August 2022
Website:
Contact: Melissa Michaelis / director@winn-worthbetco.com / 641-592-0800
Cities: Forest City, Lake Mills, Scarville, Buffalo Center

Forest City

Forest City Veterans Incentives:

  • $500 in relocation expenses (reimbursment basis)
  • $300 Gift Basket including gift certificates, couplons, discounts, waivors, memberships to activities and businesses 
  • Community Tour and arrangments with various service providers in Forest City
  • WCTA Internet - 200 mbps @$75 a month for 4 months
  • $80 a month for 4 months toward utilities

Lake Mills

Lake Mills is a charming town surrounded by beautiful nature. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to plant their roots.There are regular events hosted by the chamber, to welcome new residents and help them to plug into the community.

City Incentives

Contact: City of Lake Mills at 641-592-3251 or lmclerk@wctatel.net

- Tax Abatement

- Waiver of Utility Deposit

- Gift basket

Scarville

Welcome to Scarville - a peaceful community where everyone is your neighbor; a community that is easy to be a part of

Incentive: 

- $1,000 relocation reimbursement to eligible veterans and transitioning service members, as funds allow. Please contact the City's point of contact to ensure funds are available. 

Buffalo Center

Buffalo Center is a charming and welcoming community that offers its residents a high quality of life. With its small-town atmosphere, Buffalo Center provides a safe and friendly environment where neighbors know and support each other. The surrounding natural beauty and peaceful rural setting make Buffalo Center ideal for those seeking a serene and fulfilling lifestyle.

Incentives

- Deposit fee waived on utility bill

-$100 in Buffalo Bucks (Limit to 2 individuals per year)

County Veteran Offices

These should be veterans first point of contact and every county has a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and a County Veterans Director. These offices assist veterans with compensation/pensions, medical care, military records, grave markers and veteran home loans. Some counties also have dedicated funds to assist with temporary shelter/utilities, food/health supplies, medical/dental, job placement, counseling and transportation. Visit the County Veterans Office page and click on the county of residence.  

IowaWORKS Centers

IowaWORKS Centers are committed to providing quality employment services to all military service members and their spouses. All veterans and their spouse may be eligible for priority service.  Please let a team member know upon check-in of your veteran status. IowaWORKS Centers provide a full range of job/career assistance. Individual services include:

  • Career counseling and job search skills development
  • Help locating employment and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities
  • Academic skill testing and hands-on computer classes
  • Creating resumes/cover letters and interview preparation

Iowa National Guard Services

The Warrior & Family Services Branch is a Joint Force initiative that provides assistance to all military families, regardless of branch or component, who find themselves beyond the support capability of active duty military facilities or their home units. The Warrior & Family Services Branch acts as a network that allows families to mutually support one another. By providing families with information, resources and support, the program strengthens both the unit and service members. To learn more about these services, visit the Warrior & Family Services page to learn more.

Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

The Iowa ESGR team is comprised of approximately 106 dedicated volunteers and three full-time staff members prepared to engage, inform and support employers and reserve component members throughout the state. Iowa has a proud history of outstanding employer support for reserve component members. Today’s team continues this tradition through a strong emphasis on “prevention through education.” To learn more visit the Iowa ESGR.

Non-Profit Statewide Veteran Support Organizations

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a community-service organization which has reached nearly three million members, men and women at almost 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.  The American Legion Department of Iowa is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.  The Department Service Office is located in the Federal Building in Des Moines, with an additional office located in the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. Visit the Iowa Legion or email: info@ialegion.org.

An Introduction to CHAMPs

Iowa's Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) offer higher education incentives to qualified veterans, their spouses and dependents. Benefits include in-state tuition rates, on-campus support, credit for military courses and special financial considerations.

Winnebago County Veterans Incentives

$1000 Relocation Incentive as funds are available 

Home Base Iowa Statewide Veteran Incentives
The Home Base Iowa Act positions Iowa as a leader in respect, support and employment of veterans through a public-private partnership. The Iowa Legislature passed the Act in a broad bi-partisan manner and then Governor Terry E. Branstad signed it into law on Memorial Day, 2014. The Act contains the following incentives:

Please contact the County Veterans Office or the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs for more information.