Marion, IA – The Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its board of directors. 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.

Eric Schmitt, President of Rapids & Affiliates, leads a family-owned business specializing in foodservice equipment and supplies. With locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri, Rapids & Affiliates has been a cornerstone of the restaurant industry since 1936. Schmitt, a Cedar Rapids native, earned a degree in Finance and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas. Returning to the area after 12 years, he has guided the company into a new era of growth. Eric’s dedication to economic development is reflected in his continued leadership on the MEDCO Board and his new role as Chair. He resides in the area with his wife, Stacey, and their three children.

Emily Kaiser, Manager of Community Development at Alliant Energy, brings expertise in economic development and utility business operations. She leads a team of utility business retention and expansion experts across Iowa and Wisconsin, while also supporting commercial and industrial customers in the Metro area. Before joining Alliant Energy in 2017, Emily served as Economic Development Director for Benton County. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Iowa and an MS in Leadership and Coaching from Bellevue University. Emily 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 Mark Seckman, MEDCO President.

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About Team Marion:
We exist to be an economic development thought leader within Team Marion and to market the competitive advantages of our community for new investment opportunities. Team Marion is made up of representatives of the City of Marion, Marion Economic Development Corp, Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion.