
The Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) announced a leadership transition within its board of directors in a news release Thursday. Eric Schmitt, who has served on the board since 2019, has been named Board Chair, while Emily Kaiser, a board member since 2022, is the incoming Chair.
Mr. Schmitt is president of Rapids & Affiliates, a family-owned business specializing in food service equipment and supplies. Operating since 1936, Rapids & Affiliates has locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Mr. Schmitt, originally from Cedar Rapids, earned a degree in finance and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas.
Mr. Schmitt’s dedication to economic development is reflected in his continued leadership on the MEDCO Board and his new role as Chair, the release states. He resides in the Corridor with his wife, Stacey, and their three children.
Ms. Kaiser, manager of community development at Alliant Energy, brings expertise in economic development and utility business operations to the MEDCO Board. She leads a team of utility business retention and expansion experts across Iowa and Wisconsin, while also serving commercial and industrial customers in the Cedar Rapids area.
Before joining Alliant Energy in 2017, Ms. Kaiser served as economic development director for Benton County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science in leadership and coaching from Bellevue University. As stated in the release, Ms. Kaiser is active throughout the community, including the Benton Community School Board. She lives in rural Benton County with her husband, Justin, and their daughter, Claire.
“As we celebrate this transition, the organization is confident that Eric and Emily’s combined leadership will continue to drive its mission of fostering economic innovation and creating opportunities for Marion businesses and residents,” said MEDCO President Mark Seckman, in the release.