Mid-America EDC Board Member Spotlight: Mark Seckman

Monday, October 24, 2022

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Meet Mark Seckman, Iowa Director

Tell us about yourself! How long have you been a member and on the board of Mid-America EDC?

I have been involved in economic development for 30 years starting at the community/regional level before transitioning to Alliant Energy 6 years ago, where I am currently the Senior Economic Development Manager. I have been on the Mid-America EDC board since December 2020.

Tell us about Alliant Energy and your position there.

Alliant Energy provides regulated electric and natural gas service to approximately 985,000 electric and approximately 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Our purpose is to serve customers and build strong communities. I am responsible for working with our state and local economic development partners to attract new industrial companies and assist with the expansion of existing industrial customers across our eastern Iowa service area.  

How does Alliant Energy/public utilities in general fit into economic development programs? What do you see as the role of Alliant Energy/public utilities in economic development?

At Alliant Energy we pride ourselves in going above and beyond what is expected of a typical utility company.  We are an energy solution partner that goes beyond just providing standard information on electricity and gas. We assist with all aspects of structuring an industrial project by understanding the needs of large industry including reaching sustainability energy goals, supply chain requirements, transportation needs, workforce skills, etc.

I market to site location consultants, and executives of target industry promoting the attributes of expanding into our Iowa service area.  I also meet with corporate executives of our existing industrial customers at their headquarter office to gain an additional perspective of their operation within our market.

What's unique about Alliant Energy?

At Alliant Energy, our customers, and the communities we serve are at the heart of everything we do. We support our communities by funding projects and studies that better position them for economic growth including workforce development, housing, childcare, quality of place, industrial site certification, or any unique need that will have a lasting impact on their community. 

To help facilitate industrial growth, we implemented our Alliant Energy Growth Sites Program.  These twelve certified industrial sites, including nearly 2,400 acres of industrial land in three different communities owned by Alliant Energy, better position communities for success in recruiting new industrial customers by expediting timelines and mitigating risk.  

What are your favorite places to go or things to do in Cedar Rapids?

My wife and I really enjoy the arts and culture within the community.  We regularly attend live theater, music events and festivals.  We relish wine tasting, the great restaurants, and micro–breweries the Cedar Rapids area has to offer.  

What do you like to do in your downtime? 

My wife and I try to stay active; we walk 3 miles a day, play pickleball, golf and ride bikes on the many trails in the area. I am a University of Iowa grad, so I routinely attend or watch Hawkeye football and basketball games. We also enjoy traveling, be it weekend getaways, our annual winter trip or across Europe. 






 

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