About
Connecting Possibility and Progress
Economic Development in Cass County
Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) serves as the economic development authority for Cass County, Iowa, leading initiatives that strengthen local businesses, expand investment, and enhance quality of life across the region.
As a public–private partnership, CADCO unites business leaders, local governments, and community organizations around a shared goal of building a stronger future for Cass County. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and hands-on support, we help drive economic growth while preserving the welcoming character that makes our communities unique.
MISSION STATEMENT
To direct economic development initiatives, facilitate community cooperation, and assist organizations in their pursuit of growth to enhance the Cass County quality of life.
Staff
Jennifer McEntaffer
Jennifer graduated from Atlantic High School. She left briefly to pursue her education. She graduated from Buena Vista and began her family. She has four children, James, Jocelyn, Jayna and Jaxon. She then received her Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University. She has been at CADCO since 2007.
Gwen Weirich
Gwen was born and raised in Council Bluffs, but when she was a junior in high school, her family moved to Griswold where she graduated high school. She married Duane Weirich in 1981 and had two children. In 1991, they started a welding business, Weirich Welding. They are blessed with five grandchildren.
Cass/Atlantic Board of Directors
Steve Tjepkes, President
Atlantic Municipal Utilities
Pat McCurdy,
Vice President
Retired farmer
Jason Nicholas,
Treasurer
First Whitney Bank
Scott Bennett,
Secretary
NISHNANET
Justin Hockenberry – Cambridge Law Firm
Peter Gray – Heritage House
Wes Anstey – Rolling Hills Bank & Trust
Brett Altman – Cass Health
Kate Olson – Cass County Extension
Cindy Wetterlind – Iowa Western Community College
Tammy DeBord – Southwest Iowa Planning Council
Brian Church – Elkhart Plastics
Christina Bateman – YMCA/Vision Atlantic
Melissa Ihnen – Meyer & Gross Real Estate
John Knutsen – City of Anita
Ex-Officio
Rob Clausen – Atlantic Mayor
John Lund – City of Atlantic
Elaine Otte – City of Atlantic
Sheryl Owen – Griswold City Clerk
Steve Green – Cass County Board of Supervisors
Bernard Pettinger – Cass County Board of Supervisors
Kelsey Beshorner – Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce
Beth Johnsen – Atlantic Community Schools
Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) Revolving Loan Committee
Steve Tjepkes, Chairman
Pat McCurdy
Emily Kennedy
Jason Nicholas
Steve Green
Jennifer McEntaffer
Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG)
Revolving Loan Committee
CADCO administers the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) Revolving Loan Fund, a program designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start or expand operations within Cass County. The committee oversees loan approvals and ensures funds are used to promote sustainable, locally driven economic development.
Join CADCO
Membership in the Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation is an investment in the future of Cass County. Members gain access to valuable networking opportunities, business resources, and a voice in shaping local economic growth. By working together, we can attract new business, support existing employers, and strengthen the foundation of our rural economy. To join CADCO, contact us!
