Greater Ottumwa Investor Directory 2023-2024 | Page 8

119 NWashington -Ottumwa • 641-682-8027 • mccuneandreed . com

Diversity , Equity and Inclusion

Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress , representing over 250 investor businesses and the citizens of Wapello County , will be the catalyst for positive change that benefits the entire community where we live , work , and play . As such , we are committed to diversity , equity , and inclusion within our organization . We define this as the purposeful and intentional approach to consciously include historically underrepresented segments of the business community in our services , advocacy , initiatives , and membership , with the purpose of increasing economic opportunities for all . Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress will be the voice of the community as an inclusive organization . Through intentional evaluation of our services , programs , and initiatives , we ensure equal opportunity to participate where a diversity of opinions is represented and heard .

Ottumwa has seen substantial growth in non-white population in the last ten years . According to the 2022 US Census , 14.9 % of Ottumwa ’ s population are Latino or Hispanic , 4.7 % are Black or African American , and 1.8 % are Asian . Additionally , 9.7 % are foreign born , and 49.4 % of all citizens are female . With the help of our community partners such as JBS , IowaWorks , League of United Latin American Citizens , League of Women Voters , United Way and
SIEDA , we can effectively advocate for our community in the true spirit of ensuring equality for all .
Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress has taken several key actions in the last few years to ensure that all voices are heard . For example , we have started a new legislative panel event called Eggs and Issues , highlighting the topics that are relevant to the community . We have begun reaching out to the Latino and Hispanic businesses in Wapello County for inclusion opportunities at our events , and have begun participating in multi-cultural events within the county . We have partnered with the League of United Latin American Citizens to assist in their efforts . We have made a conscious effort to recruit representatives from diverse communities for our events and committees .
We launched a new event in 2023 focusing on empowerment of women and a focus on diversity , equity and inclusion , called “ Lean In .” This event typically coincides with International Women ’ s Day in March . U . S . International Women ’ s Day is a global day celebrating the historical , cultural , and political achievements of women . We are excited to bring this regional event to Ottumwa , uplifting women in not only Ottumwa , but our surrounding communities .
Brian McWilliams Presidentand InsuranceProducer
Heather Gerths Employee Benefits Agent
AmyHouk-Clark Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent
Your Local Business & Personal InsuranceTeam
Peggy Staton Personal Lines Customer Service Agent
Paul Longaker
InsuranceProducer
Craig Mineart
InsuranceProducer

119 NWashington -Ottumwa • 641-682-8027 • mccuneandreed . com

8 GOPIP Investor Directory 2023-24